Herbs Past

Marigold

Marigold aka pot marigold is a perennial herb. It is hardy in USDA zones 2-11. However, it is frequently grown as a garden annual, particularly in regions with very hot summers and relatively heavy rains in the early spring (such as the St. Louis region). Marigold is native to Spain. Le Calendrier de Cordoue (c. 961–976 A.D.) records that marigold (bahār in Arabic) was being grown in the gardens of Islamic Iberia. Marigold was introduced into England by the Anglo- Saxons, and it has been grown in English gardens since at least as early as 995 A.D. On a list of English garden herbs compiled in about 1525 (the “Fromond List”) marigold is recognized as an “Herb for the Cup”.

The flow petals are edible, and marigold is often used in cooking, for example in salads, in cookies, and with rice.

In traditional medicine marigold is used to reduce inflammation and promote wound healing and for the treatment of numerous other conditions. For additional information see “Flos Calendulae” in WHO Monographs on selected medicinal plants, volume 2, World Health Organization, Geneva, 2002, pages 35- 44. (All four volumes in this series can be obtained without cost from a World Health Organization webpage at https://iris.who.int/handle/10665/42052).

In the Victorian language of flowers marigold represents “grief”.

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