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1.Field Marigold — Overview
Calendula arvensis, commonly known as Field Marigold or wild marigold, is a captivating herbaceous annual plant belonging to the Asteraceae family, renowned for its composite flower heads. This resilient species typically grows 30 to 60 centimeters tall, though robust specimens can reach up to 100 centimeters.
Its stem is characteristically:
• Erect and often extensively branched.
• Covered with a fine, hairy texture.
• Slightly sticky due to the presence of glandular trichomes, which contribute to its tactile properties and defensive mechanisms.
Leaves are arranged alternately along the stem, ranging from lanceolate to ovate and typically measuring 5 to 10 centimeters long. They are vibrant, rich green, sometimes with a grayish-green undertone, and often slightly succulent. The inflorescence is a solitary, striking flower head, or capitulum, a hallmark of the Asteraceae family.
These capitula are 3 to 4 centimeters in diameter, composed of numerous bright, petal-like ray florets radiating outwards, encircling a central disc densely packed with fertile tubular florets. Their vibrant hues, from brilliant yellow to deep orange, attract diverse pollinators like bees and butterflies.
Blooming occurs over an extended period, generally from late spring through early autumn. In milder Mediterranean regions, flowering can persist for much of the year, peaking between March and July.
After pollination, the plant produces distinctive, often curved or boat-shaped achenes (fruits) that aid in dispersal. Calendula arvensis is native to the sun-drenched Mediterranean regions of Southern Europe, extending into North Africa and parts of Asia, where it thrives in disturbed soils, fields, and roadsides.
Trusted Scientific References
Authoritative external sources for Calendula arvensis:
1.1.Field Marigold — Key Features
- Herbaceous annual plant, — Herbaceous annual plant, member of the Asteraceae family.
- Distinctive bright yellow — Distinctive bright yellow to deep orange capitula (flower heads).
- Hairy, glandular, slightly — Hairy, glandular, slightly sticky stems and lanceolate to ovate leaves.
- Native to Mediterranean — Native to Mediterranean regions, thriving in disturbed soils.
- Exhibits strong anti — inflammatory, antioxidant, and antimicrobial properties.
- Traditional uses include — Traditional uses include wound healing, skin soothing, and digestive support.
- Rich phytochemical profile — Rich phytochemical profile including flavonoids, triterpenes, and carotenoids.
- Blooms from late — Blooms from late spring through early autumn, often longer in mild climates.
- Produces characteristic curved or boat — shaped achenes for dispersal.
- Valued in medical — Valued in medical herbalism and folk medicine across its native range.
1.2.Field Marigold — Quick Summary
- Calendula arvensis, or wild marigold, is an annual herb of the Asteraceae family, native to the Mediterranean.
- Renowned for its vibrant yellow-orange flowers and sticky, hairy stems.
- Traditionally used for anti-inflammatory, wound healing, and antimicrobial benefits.
- Rich in flavonoids, triterpenoids, and carotenoids, contributing to its therapeutic actions.
- Easily cultivated in sunny, well-drained conditions, making it accessible for herbal preparations.
- Generally safe for topical use, with caution advised for Asteraceae allergies and internal use.
2.Field Marigold — Scientific Identity
3.Field Marigold — Categories & Tags
4.Field Marigold — Appearance & Identification
5.Field Marigold — Water Requirements
- Climate — Thrives in Mediterranean climates with full sun exposure; adaptable to temperate regions, but prefers warmth.
- Soil Requirements — Prefers well-drained, moderately fertile soil; tolerant of various soil types including sandy or loamy, but not waterlogged.
- Light — Requires full sun for optimal growth and flowering, at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily.
- Propagation — Easily propagated from seeds sown directly into the soil in spring after the last frost or in autumn in milder climates.
- Watering — Moderate watering is sufficient; drought-tolerant once established, but benefits from regular moisture during dry spells.
- Fertilization — Generally low-maintenance; a balanced, organic fertilizer can be applied sparingly if soil fertility is poor.
- Harvesting — Flowers can be harvested throughout the blooming season, typically by hand-picking the capitula when fully open.
- Pests and Diseases — Generally robust, but can occasionally be affected by aphids or powdery mildew; good air circulation helps prevent fungal issues.
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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