Chrysanthemum segetum - Corn Marigold

The Corn Marigold, also known as the Golden Daisy, Field Marigold, or Chrysanthemum segetum in Latin, is an annual plant found in harvested fields that offers a very long, absolutely radiant yellow flowering, highly visited by pollinators. It forms a bushy clump with abundant flowers throughout the season until early autumn. Perfect in slightly wild areas of the garden, its flowers hold up well in bouquets. This flower thrives in the sun, in loose, sandy or clayey soil, even when dry, but without limestone.

This Chrysanthemum segetum is an annual plant native to North Africa and the eastern Mediterranean basin, now widespread in many temperate regions, including France. This species, officially called Glebionis segetum, is also known as corn marigold or cornflower in different regions. Reaching a height of 45 to 55 cm (18 to 22in), depending on growing conditions, it has an erect and branched habit. Flowering occurs from June to October, above a well-furnished foliage. Its inflorescences are large solitary heads measuring 4 to 6 cm (2in) in diameter, carried on thickened branches at the top. They are a beautiful bright yellow, more or less orange or golden, and highly visited by pollinating insects. The foliage differs depending on its position on the stem; the lower leaves are deeply divided towards the base, narrowed into petioles, while the upper leaves are oblong-lanceolate, embracing, toothed or entire. Their colour is a glaucous green, slightly bluish or grayish. The abundantly produced seeds are a delight for birds. This plant easily self-seeds in well-worked soil, but not limestone.

Originally from the Mediterranean, Corn Marigold thrives in warmth, sunlight, and rather acidic or sandy soils. It is ideal for creating a natural garden or low-maintenance flower beds. It can be paired with annual cornflower (Centaurea cyanus), milk thistle (Silybum marianum), alfalfa (Medicago sativa), phacelia (Phacelia tanacetifolia), or dame's rocket (Hesperis matronalis) to feed bees and butterflies. It can also be grown in a large pot, provided it is pinched often to give it a more compact habit. The flowers, which hold up well in bouquets, also provide a yellow dye.