Calendula

(Calendula officinalis)

Basic Identification

Common Names

Calendula
Pot marigold
Garden marigold

Botanical Name

Calendula officinalis

Plant Family

Asteraceae (Daisy family)

Parts Used

• Flowers (primary medicinal part)
• Flower petals (most commonly used in preparations)

Habitat and Native Range

Calendula is native to the Mediterranean region but is now widely cultivated throughout the world, including North America.

It grows best in:
• sunny gardens
• cultivated beds
• well-drained soils
• temperate climates

Calendula is commonly grown as both a medicinal herb and ornamental plant, valued for its bright orange-yellow flowers and wide range of therapeutic uses.

Overview

Calendula is one of the most valued herbs in Western herbalism for tissue healing, lymphatic support, and inflammation modulation. It is especially known for its ability to support skin repair and move stagnation in the lymphatic system.

Though often thought of as a simple “skin herb,” calendula has deep systemic effects, particularly in conditions involving slow healing, congestion, or lingering inflammation.

Calendula is both gentle and effective, making it appropriate for long-term use. It is widely used for external applications, but also plays an important role internally when lymphatic movement and tissue repair are needed.

It is considered safe for most individuals, including children and the elderly, when used appropriately.

Basic Uses

Calendula is commonly used for:

• Wound healing (cuts, scrapes, minor burns)
• Skin irritation (rashes, eczema, dermatitis)
• Lymphatic stagnation (swollen glands, sluggish lymph flow)
• Slow-healing or inflamed tissues
• Digestive inflammation (mild cases)
• Minor infections (topical support)
• Oral inflammation (gums, mouth irritation)

Botanical Description / Morphology

Growth Habit
Low-growing to moderately upright annual herb, typically 12–24 inches tall, with a branching, slightly bushy form.

Stem
• green, angular to slightly ridged
• softly hairy (not smooth)
• sturdy but flexible
• branching from the base and along the stem

Leaves
Arrangement: alternate
Shape: oblong to lance-shaped
Margin: smooth or slightly wavy (not deeply divided)
Surface: slightly sticky or resinous, softly hairy

Leaves are broad and simple, not feathery

Venation
• central vein prominent
• lateral veins visible but not highly pronounced

Flowers
Type: composite flower (daisy-like)
Petal Shape: broad, flat ray florets (typically orange or yellow)
Center: dense cluster of disc florets, usually darker orange or yellow

Flower heads are full, rounded, and resinous, not hollow

Key Feature
• sticky, resin-rich flower heads
• vibrant orange to yellow petals
• strong association with skin healing

Roots
• shallow to moderately fibrous root system
• anchors easily in garden soil

Key Identifying Features

• bright orange or yellow composite flowers
• sticky, slightly resinous texture (especially flower heads)
• broad, simple leaves (not finely divided)
• softly hairy stems and leaves

Similar Species / Lookalikes

• Tagetes species (true marigolds) – similar appearance but different genus and medicinal profile
• Arnica species – similar flower shape but typically grows in different environments and has different uses
• Calendula arvensis – smaller flowers, less commonly used medicinally

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