Naming |
| Botanical Name: |
Tagetes erecta
|
| Common Names: |
Mexican Marigold, Aztec Marigold, Flor de Muerto
|
| Key Name: |
African Marigold
|
| Parts Used: |
Flowers, leaves, roots
|
| Sister Plants: |
Tagetes patula, Calendula officinalis, Helianthus annuus
|
| Comments: |
Annual herb attractive to pollinators; thrives in sunny, well-drained areas
|
Taxonomy |
| Kingdom |
Viridiplantae |
Phylum |
Streptophyta |
| Class |
Magnoliopsida |
Order |
Asterales |
| Family |
Asteraceae |
Genus |
Tagetes |
| Species |
erecta |
NCBI Tax ID |
13708
|
| Organism |
|
|
Characteristics |
| Identifying Character: |
Annual (1-3 ft), erect hairy stem, pinnate Leaves with serrated leaflets, bright yellow or orange flower heads (2-4 in), blooming summer to fall
|
| Stem: |
Erect, 1-3 ft, hairy, green
|
| Leaves: |
Pinnate, 2-5 inches, serrated leaflets, dark green
|
| Flowers: |
Bright yellow or orange flower heads, 2-4 in, blooming June-October
|
| Fruit: |
Small achenes, 1-2 mm, ribbed
|
| Taste: |
Bitter (Leaves), mild (flowers)
|
| Odour: |
Strong, Pungent scent from flowers
|
| Root: |
Fibrous taproot
|
| Image: |
(image unavailable)
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|
Distribution |
| Distribution: |
Native to Mexico and Central America, cultivated worldwide
|
| Cultivation: |
Plant in full Sun, well-drained soil; sow seeds in spring; space 12-18 inches apart; water moderately, tolerates drought
|
| Harvest: |
flowers: Summer to fall (June-October); Leaves: Summer
|
Medical |
| Therapeutic Action: |
Anti-inflammatory, Antiseptic, Diuretic, Carminative
|
| Medical Uses: |
Used for Wounds, inflammation, Digestive issues, and as a mild Antiseptic; flowers for tea or poultices
|
| Constituents: |
flavonoids (flavonoids)">flavonoids, carotenoids, essential oils
|
| Solvents: |
Water, alcohol (Tincture), oil (distillation)
|
| Dosage: |
infusion: 1 tsp dried flowers in hot water, 1-2 times daily; Tincture: 1-2 mL three times daily
|
| Administration: |
Internal: infusion or Tincture; External: Poultice or oil
|
| Formulas: |
|
| Contra Indications: |
May cause Allergic reactions or dermatitis; avoid during Pregnancy; consult healthcare provider
|
| Preparation: |
infusion: Steep 1 tsp dried flowers in hot water 10 min; Oil: Infuse flowers in carrier oil
|
| Chinese: |
No documented use in Traditional Chinese Medicine
|
| Veterinary: |
Used for wound healing or Digestive support in livestock
|
| Homeopathic: |
No known homeopathic use documented
|
Pollination and Pollinators |
| Apis: |
No
|
| Pollinator: |
1
|
| Pollen: |
Yes
|
| Pollen Notes: |
Pollen attracts bees, butterflies; some self-pollination
|
| Nectar: |
Yes
|
| Nectar Notes: |
Nectar-rich, attracts bees, butterflies, beneficial insects
|
Other |
| Non-Medical Uses: |
ornamental, pest repellent, dye
|
| Culinary Uses: |
flowers in teas or as garnish (use sparingly)
|
| History: |
Used in Aztec medicine and rituals; adopted in European gardens since 16th century
|
| Reference: |
Plants For A Future; USDA NRCS
|
| URL: |
https://www.pfaf.org/user/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Tagetes+erecta
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| Share: |
Private
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