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The Lemon marigold (Tagetes tenuifolia) belongs to Asteraceae (the Aster family). It is an annual herb that is native to Mexico, Central America, and northwestern South America. It grows in pine and oak forests, open woodlands, and shrublands, reaching a height of 30 to 50 cm. The leaves are green and odd-pinnate, finely and deeply lobed like ferns; when rubbed, they emit a refreshing, strong lemon scent. From May through October, it produces small, bright yellow flower heads. The flower heads typically consist of five broad ray florets surrounding seven to nine disk florets. It is widely cultivated as an ornamental plant in flower beds or as a companion plant in vegetable gardens.
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