Which Marigolds Are Not Edible/Toxic? [Comprehensive Guide]

marigold are known as one of the most pop edible flowers , but did you know that some varieties are actually mildly toxic to humans and other animal ? If you develop them in your garden , it ’s of import to know which marigolds are toxic or otherwise not edible so you may keep your loved ones good . But do n’t care , we ’ve done the research and found on the dot which varieties are toxic , so you’re able to have serenity of mind .

Although marigolds are generally edible , several varieties are mildly toxic for humans and other animal . However , humans can eat any motley , even the mildly toxic kind .

The toxic varieties are all part of thetagetesgenus andinclude :

marigold have modest to moderate level of perniciousness for dogs , cats , rabbit , and Numida meleagris pigs , and should be avoided by these metal money . Some other plants with the common name marigold , such as pot ( or English ) marigold ( calendula   officinalis ) and marsh marigold ( genus Caltha palustris ) are actually part of different genera . These are not true marigold and are generally nontoxic .

Although some eccentric of marigold have toxic effects for sure species , other animal ( including humans ! ) take in heavy health welfare from them . We ’ll walk you through all the difference of opinion so you may experience positive as you make up one’s mind which marigold varieties to plant in your garden .

What Is The Difference Between Marigolds And Calendula?

Although they ’re often confused with each other because they share the same rough-cut name , calendula and true marigolds are from two disjoined genera . Marigolds are part of thetagetesgenus , while calendulas share their name with their genuscalendula .

As we mentioned earlier , although marigold has some medicinal uses that are standardized to calendula , several types are mildly toxic for humans and other animals .

Calendula , on the other manus , is completely nontoxic and is often used to solace skin ailments like eczema or acne , heal wounds , and protect against gist disease .

Although they also look similar , marigolds and calendula have some distinct differences . While calendulas have long square petals arranged in a disc shape , marigold ' petal are ellipse , almost rippled , and create a round , shaggy flower question .

Their size dissent as well . Calendulas grow between 12 - 24 inch marvelous while marigolds have more variety , reaching heights of 6 inches to 4 feet .

Marigolds and calendula also smell out very dissimilar . Calendulas have a sweet , twilit smell similar to tree sap , but marigold have a spicy , barbed odor that is annoy to many noses . We ’ll discuss why this olfactory sensation is so unpleasant next !

Which Marigolds Are Poisonous To Humans

Technically , all marigolds are toxic because they all containphototoxicthiophene derivatives , which are chemicals in the peak that become toxic when let on to luminosity .

In the case of marigolds , thiopheneis the chemical that gives the industrial plant its antimicrobic , anti - inflammatory , analgesic , antitumor , and antihypertensive properties . However , this is also what causes its toxicity .

However , for most humans , the bad that will happen is vexation and redness in the eyes , nose , and tegument . If you ’ve ever smelled a marigold and end up with a burning nose or antsy red pip on your skin , now you make love the rationality why !

Since thiophene is incur throughout the marigold ’s petal , stem , ascendent , and leaf , irritation can come about from take in or simply brushing up against the plant .

Out of all marigold varieties , the two most likely to cause a response are the French marigold ( tagetes patula ) and the African ( or Mexican ) marigold ( tagetes erecta ) . However , they are still considered edible for human being and have health benefits such as lower inflammation and fighting fungous infections .

Are Marigolds Poisonous To Dogs?

Several varieties of marigold are vicious to dogs , including the Gallic marigold , African marigold , and pot marigold . The sap of all three varieties will make GI irritation if ingested , especially in large quantities . Plus , if the sap gets on the dog ’s skin , it can make red and itchiness .

The serious news program , though , is that all three are consider only mildly toxic for dogs . Although your cad might be uncomfortable for a few hours , the toxicity level is not life - ominous . However , it ’s always a good musical theme to consult your vet just in display case .

Are Marigolds Poisonous To Cats?

Due to their generally smaller size , Arabian tea suffer a bit more from encountering marigold than a dog would . If corrode , they can cause GI trouble like looseness of the bowels and breadbasket hurting , and oral problems like drooling and mouth discomfort . The marigold ’s sap can also cause peel irritation .

Again , although all phallus of thetagetesgenus are toxic to cat , they only get mild symptoms that are not life - heavy . However , it ’s still best to keep your khat away from all marigolds and contact your vet if they do happen to ingest any .

Can Rabbits Eat Marigolds?

Although many rabbits enjoy munching on pot marigold , the French , African , and marsh marigold varieties are toxic .

Gallic and African marigolds can cause intestinal irritation and skin irritation , interchangeable to the consequence they have on dogs , cat , and humans . gratefully , rabbits come up the flower ’s strong olfactory property obscene and typically avoid them .

As a fellow member of the buttercup family , marsh marigolds containprotoanemonin . This toxin can cause wound in the digestive tract , upheaval , and tegument excitation . That makes them especially dangerous for rabbit . Pot marigolds , on the other hand , are utterly dependable and make a good treat .

Can Chickens Eat Marigolds?

Unlike most of the other animals mentioned in this article , chickens have no problem digesting any kind of marigold ! In fact , some people give their crybaby African or Gallic marigolds to aid their orchis yolks turn over a darker , more appealing tincture of orange .

Chickens also benefit from the flavonoid and carotenoid present in marigolds . These strongantioxidantshelp them destroy free stem that could cause disease in their bodies . Plus , marigolds aid reduce the cholesterin found in eggs , making them healthier for the people who consume them .

Can Guinea Pigs Eat Marigolds?

Pot marigold is a large treat to give guinea Sus scrofa to assist support their immune system and add fiber . In worldwide , greaseball pigs prefer the actual blossom over the stronger - tasting stems and leaf . The blossoms can be feed either fresh or dried and as an casual treat rather than an constitutional part of the dieting .

Reports of whether it ’s safe to feed in guinea pigs African or Gallic marigolds is mixed , so to be secure , guide clear of any marigold from thetagetesgenus . Since these marigold varieties cause problem for most other mammal , it ’s likely that guinea pig would find them irritating as well .

What Marigold Varieties Are Edible?

Most marigolds have such mild reaction that they are considered safe to run through , and they can add a delicious touch of colour to your intellectual nourishment . Some varieties are less toxic than others , however . Some safe - to - eat marigold are :

As its name suggests , lemon yellow marigold has a citrus smell . Mexican mint marigold sample like estragon , while mass marigold is gross and flowered . Irish lace marigold has liquorice - flavour foliage , and the other varieties have a tart , peppery , astringent feeling .

With such a variety of gustation , marigold can be used with a wide of the mark diversity of dishes from ice cream to fish . you may make it into a teatime , use it as a salad stovepipe , or glaze the petals in sugar . It can also be used as an affordable Crocus sativus substitute .

Can You Eat All Parts Of A Marigold?

Marigold flowers are most usually eaten , but you could also eat the leaf . When preparing flower petals for consumption , make certain to transfer the white " heels " from the end of the petals . They give the otherwise tasty petals a bitter nip .

Since the leave become more bitter with age , they ’re better when they come from young plants . Or , you may blanch them before eating to take away some of the bitter .

But in general , the flowers taste much better than the leaves . Irish lace marigold is the exclusion to this rule . It has very small peak , but its abundant leaf tastes like soft licorice .

In Closing

Although African and French marigolds are gently toxic to humans , all marigold kind can be safely eat up .

However , marigolds from thetagetesgenus are gently to moderately toxic for dogs , true cat , rabbits , and guinea pigs , and should be avoided . Gallus gallus , on the other deal , can eat any marigold variety with no ominous effects .

Before you go , be sure to take a look at these link posts :

Are Marigolds Drought Tolerant [ & Should They Be water Daily ] ?

Are My Marigolds Perennial Or Annual ? [ Breakdown By Type ]