Calendula Photos: Get to Know This Golden-Yellow Aster Family Flower

Calendula (Calendula officinalis) is an annual or biennial herbaceous plant in the aster family (Asteraceae), also commonly called pot marigold or golden marigold. As the photos show, its flowers are disc-shaped, mainly in golden yellow and orange-yellow tones, and from a distance they look like little lamps, which is exactly where the name comes from.

In terms of morphological features, the calendula plant is not tall, with upright stems and mostly oblong, alternately arranged leaves. The capitulum (flower head) is borne singly at the tip of the stem, with ray florets neatly arranged; there are single-flowered and double-flowered forms, and the double-flowered cultivars, with layer upon layer of petals, are more ornamental. Flower colors range from pale yellow and golden yellow to orange-red, with golden yellow being the most common.

As for the flowering period, calendula generally blooms mainly in spring; if the climate is suitable or seeds are sown in batches, the ornamental period can be extended for quite a long time. Because it blooms freely and its flower colors are bright, it is often used in flowerbed arrangements and potted displays, and can also be enjoyed as a cut flower, making it a very common ornamental flower.

When viewing or photographing calendula photos, the flowers at peak bloom are the most representative, with spreading petals and full, saturated color that best show its characteristics. In addition, its petals can be dried and steeped in water, making it a flower that is both ornamental and practical. To quickly recognize it from a photo, just focus on the two features of its disc-shaped flower form and its bright golden-yellow tone, and you will basically never misidentify it.