Marigold (Tagetes erecta)

Native to Mexico and Central America, African Marigold was cultivated by the Aztecs for ceremonial and medicinal purposes. Modern cultivars range from 1-4 feet tall with large flower heads (2-4 inches across) in white, yellow, orange, and red.

Select cultivars like 'Yellow Climax' produce mild-flavored edible flowers used as garnishes. Petals can substitute for saffron in food coloring and flavoring. The flowers yield lutein (E161b), still used commercially as natural food coloring.

Called cempoalxóchitl by the Aztecs, this plant remains central to Día de Muertos celebrations in Mexico. After Spanish conquest, it spread globally. Thomas Jefferson planted it at Monticello in 1812. Today grown worldwide as an ornamental and for commercial lutein extraction.