Marigolds

Tagetes erecta L. (African Marigold, American Marigold) (larger, usually yellow-flowered)

Tagetes patula L. (French Marigold) (smaller, usually < 1’ tall, usually orange-flowered)

And numerous cultivars, including triploid hybrids between these two species

tah-GEE-tees ee-RECT-ah, PAT-you-lah

Asteraceae

Explanation of name:   The generic name comes from the Etruscan god Tages, who sprang from ploughed earth (DAV). Patula means spreading. Erecta is self-explanatory.

Natural range: Mesoamerica (both species)

Recognition:  Annuals with opposite or nearly opposite pinnately compound leaves, and usually having yellow or orange, often doubled, usually ruffled, flowering heads. Crushed foliaged with characteristic fragrance

Landscape uses:  Classic annual bedding plants with showy flowers.  Attractive to butterflies.  Marigolds do not take summer conditions in South Florida well.  There is a common perception that Marigolds help repel insects, rabbits, and nematodes.  I personally (G. Rogers)  doubt these tendencies are significant.

Internet source: See esp. CHR http://www.floridata.com/ref/T/tage_spp.cfm