Calendula – Botanical Profile

Calendula

Calendula officinalis L., Asteraceae Family

Distribution and Habitat

Native to Southern Europe; cultivated worldwide. Prefers sunny locations and well-drained soils.

Botanical and Morphological Description

An annual herb widely cultivated for medicinal and ornamental purposes.

  • Root: Taproot system.
  • Stem: Erect, branched, pubescent.
  • Leaves: Alternate, oblong to lanceolate, entire or slightly toothed, sessile.
  • Flower is an inflorescence, capitulum (flower head), in which the ray florets are bright yellow to orange, the disc florets are tubular and central.
  • Fruit: Achene, curved, rough-textured.
  • Seeds: Crescent-shaped, without pappus.

Key Identification Features: Bright orange/yellow flower heads, Sticky, aromatic foliage, Curved achenes (fruits).

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