Tagetes lemmonii, or Lemmon’s marigold, is a North American species of shrubby marigold, in the daisy family (Asteraceae). Other English names for this plant include Copper Canyon Daisy, Mountain Marigold, and Mexican Marigold.
It is native to the states of Sonora and Sinaloa in northwestern Mexico as well as southern Arizona in the United States.
Mexican marigold is a fabulous plant that has an extended flowering period, from autumn right through to winter. It has beautiful yellow daisy flowers, and is well known for its leaves. They possess an aroma which can be easily smelt when the wind passes over the foliage, or when the leaves are crushed. It smells like an exotic ripe passionfruit!
Passionfruit Marigold is a shrubby perennial with rich, golden yellow flowers blooming from autumn to spring. The leaves have a strong fragrance described as ‘fruit salad’ or ‘passionfruit‘. Most people enjoy the scent but there are a few who may dislike it.
Add the fresh leaves to chicken and fish dishes, soups and summer salads. … While it is possible to use the herb dry, the dried form loses a lot of flavor. The colorful yellow flowers are edible, too, ideal for brightening up salads and desserts.
Marigold flowers and leaves are considered safe to eat by humans and are commonly used as culinary herbs.
Profile:
Scientific Name: Tagetes lemmonii
Common Names: Lemmon’s Marigold, Passionfruit Daisy
Family: Asteraceae
Plant Type: Shrubby perennial.
Environment: Plant in sun or part shade in a well-drained soil. Drought tolerant in coastal gardens but does best with a little water. Damaged by frost, but can be cut back to remove damaged growth or correct shape. Tends to be short-lived.
Bloom: Fall through winter, however flowering is triggered by short day length so overcast weather can also extend flowering into spring and summer, especially at SFBG with its foggy summers.
Uses: Loosely branched shrub, 3-6 feet tall and wide, attracts butterflies and bees.
Other: Some people enjoy the pungent aroma of this plant, likened to the scent of marigold mixed with lemon and mint, others find the smell quite unpleasant.