It is probably native to southern Europe, but its long history of cultivation makes its precise origin unknown, and it is widely naturalised.

Calendula officinalis is a short-lived aromatic herbaceous perennial, growing to 80 cm (31 in) tall, with sparsely branched lax or upright stems.

The leaves are oblong-lanceolate, 5–17 cm (2–7 in) long, hairy on both sides, and with margins entire or occasionally waved or weakly toothed.

The inflorescences are yellow or orange, comprising a thick capitulum or flowerhead 4–7 cm (1+1⁄2–3 in) diameter surrounded by two rows of hairy bracts.

[3] The petals and pollen contain triterpenoid esters, as well as carotenoids flavoxanthin and auroxanthin (antioxidants and the source of the yellow-orange coloration).

Pot marigolds typically bloom quickly from seed (in under two months) in bright yellows, golds, and oranges.

[13] Flowers were used in ancient Greek, Roman, Middle Eastern, and Indian cultures as a medicinal herb, as well as a dye for fabrics, foods, and cosmetics.

Marigold leaves can also be made into a poultice that is believed to help scratches and shallow cuts to heal faster, and to prevent infection.

[16] Plant pharmacological studies have suggested that Calendula extracts may have anti-viral, anti-genotoxic, and anti-inflammatory properties in vitro.