Originally christened Mary's Gold in the 12th century, Calendula officinalis was considered a remedy for small pox, indigestion and "evil humors of the head." Their bright yellow, long-lasting flowers are also a remedy for a tired-looking garden. And here a native bee both pollinates the flower and is enjoying getting it's fill of pollen. It will then make packets from the pollen to feed it's young after they hatch.
Another form of Mary's Gold?
These annual calendulas have seeded into a sunny, dry bed and a partially shaded, sometimes moist bed from one specimen we picked up at a plant sale.
The foliage has a fragrance that reminds me of collards. So it must be good for your health. And the fragrance may deter deer.
Originally from the Mediterranean basin and points east, so it's pretty drought hardy. And if it wants to keep on seeding-in and saving us from spending money buying plants--more power to it.
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