Which marigolds are poisonous?
Marsh marigold leaves are poisonous to livestock and humans due to the presence of protoanemonin, an oily toxin found in all plants of the Ranunculaceae family. Protoanemonin is released by damaged plants and can cause skin irritation.
There are several edible marigold varieties, including pot marigolds (Calendula officinalis), French marigolds (Tagetes patula), African marigolds (Tagetes erecta), Mexican mint marigolds (Tagetes Lucida), and lemon marigolds (Tagetes tenuifolia).
Toxicity. Marigold flowers and leaves are considered safe to eat by humans and are commonly used as culinary herbs. According to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, pot marigolds are also not considered toxic to puppies when ingested or touched.
Desert marigold either fresh or dried, are poisonous to goats and sheep, but not to cattle or horses.
Toxic parts
One report suggests that the plant contains coumarin. If this is true it would be unwise to eat the leaves, especially if they are dried, since coumarin can prevent the blood from co-aggulating when there is a cut.
The ASCPA defines Marigolds as non-toxic to cats and dogs. But this is particularly peculiar to the Pot Marigold. Yet, if your dog or cat eats too many of these attractive flowers, they may experience negative effects like stomach upset.
In fact, marigolds are sometimes referred to as the “poor man's saffron.” Edible marigold flowers are said to taste mildly citrusy to subtly spicy to, well, like a marigold. Whatever you think of their flavor, the flowers are indeed edible and if nothing else a feast for the eyes.
Did you know? It is a good plant for bees, butterflies and moths, and is the food plant of the Chamomile Shark Moth. In the East, the young shoots are eaten as a vegetable, particularly in China.
There are a variety of poisonous flowers that can be harmful, or even deadly, to humans and animals if ingested or touched. It's important to educate yourself on the harmful effects poisonous flowers can have.
Marigold – French Marigolds (Tagetes patula) produce chemicals that repel whitefly, Mexican bean beetles, root knot nematodes, and root lesion nematodes. Avoid planting them near beans.
Are Mexican marigolds poisonous to cats?
If your cat eats marigold leaves or stems, it may suffer from mild mouth irritation, possible drooling, tummy pain, and diarrhea. Contact from the plant's sap may also cause skin irritation.
Marigolds are classified into two types: Calendula Officinalis, also known as pot marigolds, and Tagetes, also known as French Marigolds. Cats and dogs are both unaffected by pot marigolds. French marigolds are toxic and will cause a mild form of gastric upset if consumed by either a cat or a dog.
Did you know? It is a good plant for bees, butterflies and moths, and is the food plant of the Chamomile Shark Moth. In the East, the young shoots are eaten as a vegetable, particularly in China.