How to identify Lemmon's marigold (Tagetes lemmonii)

How to identify Lemmon's marigold (Tagetes lemmonii)

Lemmon's marigold, also known as Mexican marigold, Lemmon marigold, Mexican bush marigold

Lemmon's marigold is an evergreen shrub characterized by its aromatic, finely divided foliage. When touched, the leaves emit a distinctive strong fragrance that some people might find pleasing. It typically grows to a height of 4-6 feet (1.2-1.8 meters) and spreads out to 6-10 feet (1.8-3 meters) wide. This plant boasts bright orange-yellow flowers during fall and winter, with potential off bloom periods in other seasons. The bloom is initiated by shorter daylight periods and can be prolonged by overcast conditions. For optimal growth, lemmon's marigold should be planted in sun or semi-shade and requires well-drained soil. It thrives with minimal watering but presents the best appearance with occasional irrigation. Insufficient light or excess water may cause legginess and diminished flowering.

Lifespan: Perennial, Annual

Plant Type: Herb, Shrub

Leaf Type: Evergreen

Quickly Identify Lemmon's marigold

Aromatic, finely divided foliage with strong fragrance when touched.

Bright orange-yellow flowers in fall and winter with vibrant, distinct yellow petals.

Tiny, hard, non-opening achenes measuring 5-6 mm in length, initially green.

Stalked compound leaves with 3-7 lanceolate leaflets, smooth texture, and serrated edges.

Detailed Traits of Lemmon's marigold

Leaf Features

Lemmon's marigold has stalked, opposite to subopposite, compound leaves measuring 2-2.75 inches (5-7 cm) in length, with 3-7 lanceolate leaflets. Each leaflet spans 0.6-1.2 inches (1.5-3 cm) in length and 0.1-0.3 inches (0.3-0.7 cm) in width. The leaves are green with a slightly glossy surface and finely serrated edges. The vein pattern is pinnate, providing structural support and aiding in nutrient transport. The texture is smooth, with a slightly leathery feel.

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Flower Features

The flowers of lemmon's marigold are tiny and arranged in composite heads. They feature two types of florets: the inner disc florets with reduced corollas measuring 6-7 mm (0.24-0.28 inches), and the outer ray florets with larger, oblong corollas that are bright yellow and measure 9-15 mm (0.35-0.59 inches). These vibrant yellow petals make the flowers distinct and visually striking. They typically bloom in late fall and have a mild, pleasant scent, adding to their allure.

Learn About the Flower Glossary

Fruit Features

The fruit of lemmon's marigold is diminutive in size, typically measuring 5-6 mm (about 0.2 inches) in length. These fruits are achenes, which means they are small, dry, and hard single-seed vessels that don't open at maturity. The shape of the achenes is oblong, with a smooth to slightly ribbed texture. They are initially green and mature to a brownish hue, blending with the surrounding foliage. These achenes may have subtle bristles or fine hairs, a feature that can assist in wind dispersion. Their size and structure are indicative of their adaptability for distribution, ensuring the proliferation of lemmon's marigold across suitable habitats.

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Lemmon's marigold and Their Similar Plants

African marigold vs. Lemmon's marigold: What's The Difference?

African marigold is a common garden plant with bright orange or red flowers. Its use in decorative and ceremonial gardens dates back to ancient Aztec civilizations. Not only does african marigold add bright colors, but it is also known to repel insects, rabbits, and deer thanks to its toxic latex.

Mexican tarragon vs. Lemmon's marigold: What's The Difference?

Depending on the climate, mexican tarragon can be grown as an annual or a perennial. It is usually grown for its licorice-flavored leaves and bright yellow marigold-like flowers. It is also known as false tarragon and Mexican mint marigold.

Signet marigold vs. Lemmon's marigold: What's The Difference?

Signet marigold is a wild marigold prolific in Central America. This herbaceous plant produces numerous tiny and yellow to orange flowerheads. The flowers are edible with a lemon-like flavor, perfect for garnishing, tea, and salad. Signet marigold is easy to grow and can be planted near creeks and puddles to repel bugs and insects.

French marigold vs. Lemmon's marigold: What's The Difference?

French marigold is a popular garden plant for its ability to repel harmful insects.

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Key Facts About Lemmon's marigold

Attributes of Lemmon's marigold

Lifespan

Perennial, Annual

Plant Type

Herb, Shrub

Plant Height

2.5 m

Spread

1.8 m to 3 m

Leaf Color

Green

Flower Size

5 cm

Flower Color

Yellow

Orange

Leaf type

Evergreen

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Scientific Classification of Lemmon's marigold

Phylum

Vascular plants

Class

Dicotyledons

Order

Asters bellflowers fanflowers and allies

Family

Daisy

Genus

Marigolds

Species

Lemmon's marigold (Tagetes lemmonii)

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Distribution Map of Lemmon's marigold

Lemmon's marigold, native to North America, specifically known from the southwestern region, has expanded its range due to cultivation. It thrives in various environments beyond its original habitat, being introduced to various temperate to subtropical areas on multiple continents, where it often grows in gardens and landscapes.

Native

Cultivated

Invasive

Potentially invasive

Exotic

No species reported

Learn More About the Lemmon's marigold

A Comprehensive Guide to Lemmon's marigold How to Grow and Care for Lemmon's marigold