Science & Nature • Botany

Calendula

Calendula is a genus of flowering plants in the daisy family, Asteraceae, best known for pot marigold (*Calendula officinalis*).

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Calendula is a genus of flowering plants in the daisy family, Asteraceae. It is best known for the species Calendula officinalis, commonly called pot marigold. The plants are native to temperate regions of Eurasia and North Africa, and are grown for ornamental, herbal, and cosmetic uses.

Taxonomy and description

Calendula is a genus of herbaceous plants in the Asteraceae family. The genus includes about 15–20 species, with Calendula officinalis being the most widely cultivated.

Uses

Calendula is grown for ornamental purposes and is also used in herbal products and cosmetics. Traditional uses include topical preparations for skin and wound care, and the petals are sometimes eaten.

Cultivation

Calendula is a hardy, easy-to-grow plant that prefers cooler conditions. It is commonly grown from seed in gardens and containers.

Traditional and medicinal use

Calendula has been used historically in herbal medicine, especially for skin and minor wound care. Some sources also note use in teas or infusions, though safety depends on the preparation and individual circumstances.

Key facts

Calendula is a genus of about 15–20 species in the daisy family.
The best-known species is Calendula officinalis, commonly called pot marigold.
It is native to temperate regions of Eurasia and North Africa.
The flowers are commonly used in ornamental planting and herbal preparations.
Calendula has a long history of traditional use for skin-related applications.

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Canadian context

Calendula is widely grown in Canadian gardens as a cool-season annual, especially in regions with milder spring and fall conditions. It is also familiar to Canadian readers through ornamental gardening, herbal products, and edible-flower use.

Frequently asked questions

What is calendula?

Calendula is a genus of flowering plants in the daisy family, best known for Calendula officinalis, or pot marigold.

What is calendula good for?

Calendula is commonly used for ornamental gardening, herbal preparations, cosmetics, and edible flower petals. Traditional uses often focus on skin and wound-related applications.

How to use calendula?

Calendula may be used as dried flowers, teas, infused oils, salves, creams, or tinctures. It is also sometimes used as an edible garnish, depending on the plant part and preparation.

Is calendula safe for dogs?

The provided sources do not give a clear veterinary safety recommendation for dogs, so this should be confirmed with a veterinarian before use.

Does calendula have side effects?

Some sources report mild irritation or allergic reactions, and one notes that pregnant or breastfeeding people should avoid calendula tea. Side effects depend on the form used and the individual.

How to grow calendula?

Calendula grows easily from seed in well-drained soil, with full sun to partial shade. It is usually sown in spring, thinned after emergence, and grown with regular watering.

References

Encyclopaedia Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/plant/calendula
Supports: Genus description, family, native range, and edible petals
Gardenia — https://www.gardenia.net/guide/learn-how-to-grow-and-care-calendula
Supports: Species overview, native range, cool-season growing habit, and medicinal uses
Utah State University Extension — https://extension.usu.edu/yardandgarden/research/calendula-in-the-garden
Supports: Growing conditions, sowing instructions, plant height, and uses
Green Jeeva — https://www.greenjeeva.com/blog/everything-you-need-to-know-about-calendula
Supports: Common name pot marigold, family, flowering period, and general growth notes
Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Calendula_officinalis
Supports: Common names, traditional medicinal use, and broad species description