French marigolds produce pungent, deeply dissected foliage and vibrant flower heads patterned in shades of bronze, mahogany, orange, and bright yellow. Native to the volcanic highlands of Mexico and Guatemala, these bushy annuals exude natural thiophenes from their roots that actively suppress parasitic soil nematodes. They bloom profusely from early summer until the first autumn frost, acting as vital late-season nectar sources for bees and hoverflies.
Not EvaluatedConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXNot Evaluated — not placed on the risk ladderRed List categories, explained →
Key facts
Diet & preyAutotroph (photosynthetic)
Predators
Slugs
Snails
Spider mites
ThreatsHabitat clearance in wild native ranges, slug damage, and fungal root rot
HabitatsPine-oak forest margins, dry rocky slopes, roadsides, and cultivated gardens
Life span1 year (annual)
Classification
OrderAsterales
FamilyAsteraceae
GenusTagetes
SpeciesTagetes patula
Range & activity
Range data is not available yet.
Safe observation
Interaction riskHigh
Low
Moderate
High
Very high
Why interaction risk is high
Mildly toxic to dogs and cats if chewed; safe for people to observe at a normal distance.
Why it is dangerous
Contains phototoxic thiophenes and pungent terpenes that induce mild salivation and gastrointestinal distress in cats and dogs, along with potential contact dermatitis.
How to recognize a risky encounter
Look for strongly scented, pinnately divided leaves paired with small, ruffled composite flowers of yellow, crimson, or orange.
What to do
Wash hands after trimming extensive foliage and prevent household pets from nibbling the stems.
