Fauna
Plant

Mexican Marigold

Tagetes erecta

Also known as Aztec Marigold, African Marigold, Cempasúchil, Big Marigold

Mexican marigolds produce bold, dense flower heads in shades of golden yellow and bright orange, set against aromatic, feathery foliage. Deeply woven into Mexican history and cultural tradition, these blooms light up altars during Day of the Dead festivities to guide returning spirits. In the garden, their root secretions release natural compounds that suppress soil nematodes, making them exceptional companion plants.

FloweringAromaticCultural Icon
Mexican Marigold reference1 / 7
(c) lisong, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA) · cc-by-sa
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Not EvaluatedConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXNot Evaluated — not placed on the risk ladderRed List categories, explained →
Key facts
Diet & preyAutotrophic (Photosynthesis)
Predators
  • Slugs
  • Snails
  • Spider Mites
ThreatsAgricultural expansion and habitat degradation in native wild ranges
HabitatsPine-oak forests, fields, disturbed ground, gardens
Life span1 year (Annual)
Classification
  1. OrderAsterales
  2. FamilyAsteraceae
  3. GenusTagetes
  4. SpeciesTagetes erecta
Range & activity
Range data is not available yet.
Safe observation
Interaction riskLow
  1. Low
  2. Moderate
  3. High
  4. Very high
Why interaction risk is low
Safe to observe at a normal distance.
Responsible observation
  • Pest Control: Plant alongside garden vegetables to deter pests with its pungent foliage and root exudates.
  • Pollinator Support: Leave mature blooms intact to feed visiting butterflies, solitary bees, and hoverflies.
  • Sensing: Gently crush a leaf between your fingers to experience the signature musky fragrance.
Related species
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