Corn Marigold, Glebionis segetum

Common Name: Corn Marigold

Glebionis segetum, more commonly known as the Corn Marigold, is a medium height annual and unmistakeable in flower (June to October) with its large bright yellow daisy-like compound flower head. The leaves are slightly fleshy, lobed, hairless and covered with a waxy layer that can give them a greenish blue hue. Until recently this species was know by the old botanical name of Chrysanthemum segetum.

Corn marigold was probably introduced into Britain with the introduction of agriculture and has certainly been here since the Iron Age. It can be grown on a range of soils but has a distinct preference for light and moderately acid soils. Most often found as an arable weed it can also be found on other disturbed sites such as rubbish tips, road verges, waste ground and even over-grazed pasture. Locally frequent and widespread in Britain.

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