Marigold (Tagetes species)

Marigolds (Tagetes species), annual herbs in the burgeoning flowering family Compositae, are native to Africa, France, South America, Mexico, and New Mexico and are extremely popular with gardeners. A sun-loving plant genus featuring a wide variety of colors and flower-head configurations, this cultured plant is not groomed for its fragrance, which politely can be described as pungent.