Five-Foot-Tall Marigolds

Growth Habit

• Both marigold plants thrive in sunny areas and moist soil, reaching a height of up to 5 feet. Bur marigolds resemble daisies, with golden, 2-inch-wide blossoms that grow on spindly, leafy stems. Leaves on bur marigold plants grow to 6 inches long. Tall swamp marigolds open atop smooth, 6-inch-long stalks; each flower head of about 2 inches across contains eight yellow rays, or petals, projecting from a brownish-yellow button center. Tall swamp marigold leaves are divided into pointed sections. These two varieties bloom in profusion from August to October.

Habitat

• Bur marigolds grow wild in deserted fields and along roadsides, woodland borders, stream banks and damp areas across the Eastern and Midwestern sections of the United States. Tall swamp marigolds grow uncultivated in wet areas, such as marshes, bogs and along shorelines mostly in the eastern half of the United States.

Medicinal Properties

• Among the Seminole Indians, an infusion of tall swamp marigold roots has proven to be an effective analgesic for fevers, headaches and eye disorders, according to a 1954 Yale University research paper. The root infusion also helps to curb diarrhea. When applied externally, substances taken from this plant relieve the tribe’s body aches. After soaking the entire plant, bathing in the resulting liquid alleviates chills in tribe members.

Invasive Plants

• Bur marigolds are known to grow rampant, displacing native plant species. Manually mow the affected area and apply herbicides to control unwanted spreading of these flowers. Closely follow instructions on the label and adhere to the requirements in your state concerning the use of plant chemicals.