Tagetes is a genus of 52 species and perennial herbaceous plants int eh daisy family. They are native to the area stretching from the soughwestern United States in Mexico and south throughout South America.

The foliage has a musky/pungent scent, though some later varieties have been bred to be scentless. It is said to deter some common insect pests (although it is recorded as a food plant for some Lepidoptera larvae), as well as nematodes. Tagetes are hence often used in companion planting.

The common name, “marigold”, is derived from “Mary’s Gold”, and the plant is associated with the Virgin Mary in Christian stories.

Planted in Nassau County Extension Demonstration Garden