Marigold facts for kids

Marigold is a word that can mean different things, but it's most often used to describe a bright and cheerful flower. These flowers are known for their sunny yellow, orange, and red colors and are popular in gardens around the world. But "Marigold" can also refer to stories, songs, or even other objects! Let's explore the many meanings of this interesting word.

Discovering Marigolds: More Than Just a Flower

What Are Marigolds?

When most people hear "marigold," they think of a beautiful flower. These flowers are part of the daisy family and are loved for their vibrant colors and easy-to-grow nature. They often bloom from spring until the first frost, adding a splash of color to any garden. Some types of marigolds are even used in cooking or traditional medicine!

Types of Marigold Plants

There are several different plants known as marigolds, each with its own unique features.

Pot Marigolds: Useful and Pretty

The Calendula officinalis is also called the pot marigold. This plant is not only pretty but also very useful! Its petals can be eaten and are sometimes used to add color to food or salads. People have also used pot marigolds in traditional remedies for a long time because of their soothing properties.

Garden Marigolds: Bright and Bold

The Tagetes group includes many of the common marigolds you see in gardens. These are often called Mexican marigold, African marigold, or French marigold. They are famous for their strong, sometimes spicy, scent. Gardeners often plant them near vegetables because they can help keep away certain pests. They come in many shades of yellow, orange, and even some reddish-brown colors.

Other Interesting Marigold Plants

• The Glebionis segetum is known as the corn marigold. It's a wildflower that often grows in fields.
• The tree marigold is a much taller plant, almost like a small tree, with large, bright orange flowers.
• The desert marigold (Baileya multiradiata) is a tough plant that grows in dry, desert areas. It has lovely yellow flowers.
• The marsh marigold (Caltha palustris) is a bright yellow flower that loves wet places, like marshes and stream banks. It belongs to the buttercup family.

Marigolds in Stories and Songs

The word "Marigold" has also inspired many artists and creators.

Marigolds in Books and Movies

• "Marigolds" is the title of a famous short story written by Eugenia Collier.
• There's also a Hindi film from 2007 simply called Marigold.
• You might find characters named Marigold in fantasy stories, like in the world of The Witcher.
• A character named Marigold also appears in a song called "The Receiving End of It All" by the band Streetlight Manifesto.

The Myth of Clytie and Apollo

In ancient mythology, there's a story that some people connect to the marigold. It's the tale of Clytie, a water nymph, and Apollo, the god of the sun. Clytie loved Apollo very much and would spend all her time gazing at him as he drove his sun chariot across the sky. But Apollo didn't return her love. Heartbroken, Clytie sat on the ground, watching Apollo every day, never moving, never eating or drinking. Slowly, she transformed into a flower that always turns its head to follow the sun, just as she had done. While this flower is often thought to be the heliotrope, some stories link it to the marigold because of its sun-like appearance and its habit of turning towards the light.

Other Fun Facts About Marigold

• There's a place called Marigold, California in the United States.
• In British English, people sometimes use "marigold" as a slang word for a rubber glove, especially the yellow or orange ones used for washing dishes!