Definition

1. Noun:
   • A common European annual flowering plant: "Common marigold" refers to a specific species of annual plant, native to Europe, known for its bright, typically yellow or orange flowers. Its botanical name is Calendula officinalis.

Usage

• The term "common marigold" is used to specifically identify this European species and distinguish it from other plants also called "marigold," such as those in the genus.
• It is commonly used in gardening, herbalism, and botanical contexts.

Examples

• Noun:
  • I planted common marigolds in my herb garden for their cheerful color.
  • Common marigold, or pot marigold, is often used in skin salves.

Advanced Usage

• "Calendula officinalis": This is the formal botanical (Latin) name for the common marigold, used in scientific and medicinal contexts.
  • The extract is derived from Calendula officinalis, the common marigold.

Variants and Related Words

• Pot marigold: Another common name for the same plant (), emphasizing its historical use in cooking and medicine.
• Calendula: The genus name, often used interchangeably in gardening and herbal product labels to refer to the common marigold.
• Marigold (general): A broader term that can refer to various plants in the genera (e.g., African or French marigolds) and . The "common marigold" is specifically a .

Synonyms

• Pot marigold
• Calendula (when referring to )
• Garden marigold (in some contexts)

Notes on Different Meanings

• The word "marigold" alone is ambiguous. It can refer to:
  • The common marigold (Calendula officinalis), discussed here.
  • Plants in the Tagetes genus, such as African marigolds (Tagetes erecta) or French marigolds (Tagetes patula), which are native to the Americas.
• The "common marigold" () is prized for its edible petals and medicinal properties, while many marigolds are primarily ornamental and used for pest control in gardens.

Noun

1. the common European annual marigold