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1.Tagetes Lemmonii — Overview
Tagetes lemmonii, commonly known as Mexican Marigold, Copper Canyon Daisy, or Mountain Marigold, is a vibrant and aromatic perennial shrub native to the southeastern Arizona and northern Mexican mountains. This striking plant is celebrated for its finely dissected, intensely fragrant foliage and its profusion of bright yellow-orange daisy-like flowers. The leaves are deeply cut, giving them a fern-like or feathery appearance, and release a distinctive, pungent citrus-minty scent when bruised, a characteristic that often polarizes opinions, with some finding it delightful and others a bit overwhelming. The plant typically grows as a bushy, upright shrub, reaching heights of 3 to 6 feet (0.9 to 1.8 meters) and spreading equally wide, though in ideal conditions it can grow even larger.
Its growth habit is fast, making it an excellent choice for quickly filling gaps in the garden. The flowering period is exceptionally long, often from late summer through fall and well into winter in warmer climates, providing a much-needed splash of color when many other plants have faded. Each flower measures about 1 to 2 inches (2.5 to 5 cm) across, featuring numerous ray florets surrounding a central disc. These cheerful blooms are a magnet for pollinators, including bees and butterflies, contributing significantly to garden biodiversity.
Beyond its ornamental appeal, Tagetes lemmonii is valued for its hardiness and drought tolerance once established, making it suitable for xeriscaping or low-water gardens. Its strong aroma also deters certain pests, making it a useful companion plant. This shrub demonstrates remarkable adaptability to various soil types, as long as they are well-draining, and prefers full sun exposure to thrive and produce its best floral display. It's a wonderful addition to borders, cottage gardens, Mediterranean gardens, or as a stand-alone specimen plant.
Trusted Scientific References
Authoritative external sources for Tagetes Lemmonii:
1.1.Tagetes Lemmonii — Key Features
- ["\u2713 Distinctive citrus — minty scented foliage", "\u2713 Bright yellow-orange daisy-like flowers", "\u2713 Long flowering season (late sum-winter)", "\u2713 Fast-growing perennial shrub", "\u2713 Drought-tolerant once established", "\u2713 Attracts bees and butterflies", "\u2713 Pest-repellent properties (due to aroma)", "\u2713 Deer resistant"]
- Identified profile — Uses the accepted plant name and practical context for Tagetes Lemmonii.
- Growth habit — Describes the plant through its visible form and seasonal behavior.
- Care fit — Connects light, water, and soil needs to cultivation.
- Garden value — Explains foliage, flowers, structure, or texture.
- Safety note — Keeps edible, medicinal, and toxicity language cautious.
- Propagation context — Mentions realistic propagation routes.
- Problem diagnosis — Links symptoms to water, light, drainage, pests, or season.
- Source ready — Keeps the profile suitable for later botanical review.
1.2.Tagetes Lemmonii — Quick Summary
- Tagetes lemmonii, or Mexican Marigold, is a fragrant, fast-growing perennial shrub with bright yellow flowers and aromatic, citrus-minty foliage, blooming from late summer into winter.
- It's drought-tolerant, attracts pollinators, and deters pests.
2.Tagetes Lemmonii — Scientific Identity
3.Tagetes Lemmonii — Categories & Tags
4.Tagetes Lemmonii — Appearance & Identification
5.Tagetes Lemmonii — Water Requirements
- Sunlight — Prefers full sun exposure for at least 6-8 hours daily to ensure robust growth and abundant flowering.
- Soil — Thrives in well-drained, average to fertile soil; tolerates poor soil conditions but struggles in heavy, waterlogged clay.
- Watering — Requires moderate watering; allow the soil to dry out slightly between waterings, as it is relatively drought-tolerant once established.
- Propagation — Easily propagated from seeds sown in spring or from semi-hardwood cuttings taken in summer.
- Pruning — Benefits from regular pruning to maintain a bushy shape, encourage new growth, and prevent it from becoming leggy.
- Fertilization — Generally low-maintenance; a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in spring can enhance growth, but avoid over-fertilizing.
- Hardiness — Hardy in USDA zones 8-11, tolerating mild frosts but requiring protection in colder climates.
- Pest and Disease Resistance — Generally resistant to most pests and diseases, partly due to its aromatic compounds which deter many insects.
Reviewed by the Flora Medical Global Botanical Review Panel
Multi-disciplinary editorial group · Botany · Ethnobotany · Herbal-medicine literature
Who reviewed this: This page was checked by the Flora Medical Global Botanical Review Panel — an in-house editorial group of botany graduates, ethnobotany researchers, and horticulture practitioners who collectively maintain our 7,000+ plant encyclopedia. Meet the team.
Our 4-step verification process
1. Taxonomic verification
Scientific names and synonyms cross-checked against Kew POWO, World Flora Online, and The Plant List.
2. Phytochemical & medicinal cross-reference
Active compounds, traditional uses, and reported activities are cross-referenced with PubMed, USDA Dr. Duke's database, and peer-reviewed ethnobotanical literature.
3. Conservation & distribution check
Distribution, ecology, and conservation status confirmed against GBIF occurrence records and the IUCN Red List.
4. Editorial & safety review
Every entry passes an editorial pass for clarity, originality, and safety notices (toxicity, contraindications, dosage caveats) before publication.
Last reviewed:
Editorial Note: This page is for educational and plant care purposes only.
Written by: Flora Medical Global Editorial Team
Reviewed by: Flora Medical Global Botanical Review Panel
Last Updated: June 28, 2026
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