Other marigolds
Culinary referenceCalendula and garden Tagetes have larger, showier flowers.
Culinary reference
Huacatay.
Tagetes minuta
Also found as Black mint · Southern marigold
A tall, pungent marigold of the Andes used in Peruvian sauces such as ocopa.
Sources checked 27 September 2026 · Specialist field review pending
Before any gathering or use
Use as a seasoning in small amounts; the oil can irritate skin.
Where it grows
Tracked records and known growing zone
- Verified records
- 4,935
- People who recorded it
- 1,677
- Most records (northern hemisphere)
- Apr–May, Oct–Nov
- Records span
- 1970–2026
| January | 15 |
|---|---|
| February | 11 |
| March | 18 |
| April | 51 |
| May | 36 |
| June | 11 |
| July | 4 |
| August | 7 |
| September | 30 |
| October | 78 |
| November | 46 |
| December | 25 |
| January | 166 |
|---|---|
| February | 261 |
| March | 514 |
| April | 1499 |
| May | 776 |
| June | 384 |
| July | 290 |
| August | 148 |
| September | 121 |
| October | 115 |
| November | 141 |
| December | 188 |
Research-grade iNaturalist records, snapshot Aug 27, 2026. The growing zone combines areas where different people have repeatedly verified it. Records show where people looked and found it, not current abundance or permission to gather.
01 / Learn to see
Field marks
- 01
Tall annual with pinnate leaves of narrow, toothed leaflets.
- 02
Strong, pungent smell mixing mint, basil and citrus.
- 03
Small, narrow yellow flower heads in dense clusters.
These are study prompts, not a complete identification key. Confirm the full plant with a regional flora and an experienced local identifier.
02 / Resolve the differences
Look closely. Compare.
Selected comparisons only. Other lookalikes may occur locally.
03 / Meet the place
Habitat & season
Range context
Native to southern South America; naturalized widely as a weed.
Watch the plant stage
Leaves before flowering.
Stage guidance is not a local forecast. Check your climate, elevation and a regional source; no month-shift formula is used here.
04 / Gather with care
Documented use & care
Parts discussed: Leaf
Use leaves fresh or as a paste in sauces.
Care for the patch
An aggressive weed in some regions; do not spread seed.
Preparation & storage essentials05 / Follow the evidence
Sources & review
- Wikipedia · Tagetes minutaBotanical description, range and documented use
- iNaturalist · Tagetes minutaTaxonomy and verified observation records
Checked 27 September 2026. Original editorial synthesis; source institutions have not reviewed or endorsed this guide. Independent botanical field review is pending. Photos illustrate specimens; they do not certify the identity of a plant you find.
Suggest a correction