Sweet scented Marigold
Tagetes lucida

Family: Asteraceae

What it is like

A perennial herb. It grows to 1 m high and spreads 45 cm wide. It can be grown as an annual in cold climates. The stems are woody. The leaves are narrow and blue-grey. They are 2.5 cm long. There are teeth along the edge. The flowers are yellow and like balls. They are 1 cm across and in flat topped clusters.

There are about 50 Tagetes species. It is used as a pesticide.

Where it is found

It is a warm temperate to subtropical plant. It needs moderate moisture. It needs an average, well-drained soil. It needs full sun. It suits hardiness zones 9-11. In Hobart Botanical gardens.

Countries/locations it is found in

Asia, Australia, Britain, Central America (country/location of origin), El Salvador, Europe, France, Guatemala (country/location of origin), Hawaii, Honduras, India, Indonesia, Mexico (country/location of origin), North America, Pacific, Tasmania, USA

How it is used for food

The leaves are used to make tea. It has an anise flavour. Leaves can be dried for winter use. Leaves are also used as a substitute for French Tarragon in soups. The flower heads are brewed into anise flavoured tea.

Edible parts

Leaves - tea, herb, flower heads

How it is grown

Plants can be grown from seed. Seedlings can be transplanted. It needs to be cut back to prevent branches falling over. Plants can be cut back and regrow from the roots.

Its other names

Local names

Anise-scented marigold, Anisillo, Cempaxochitl, ierbanis, Mexican marigold, Mexican tarragon, Pericon, Spanish tarragon, Sweet Mace, Sweet marigold, Texas tarragon, Winter tarragon, Yerba anis, Yerbaniz

Synonyms

Tagetes anethina Sesse & Moc.; and others