The French Marigold is native from Mexico to Guatemala. The blossoms, spanning one to two inches with heavily ruffled petals, display colors from red to yellow, including a unique pink variety, starting late spring until the first frost. Recognized for its spicy, herbal, slightly bitter taste, reminiscent of orange peel with a mint hint, the petals are edible and favored for culinary decoration, while the more bitter leaves are used in herbal teas​​. It’s also known for its pharmacological potential, exhibiting antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, anti-parasitic, and anti-diabetic properties. ​​​​Photographed in Bogotá, Colombia.