Marigold (genus Tagetes) is a common ornamental plant with edible flowers. The flavor of the flowers is typically citrusy to mildly spicy, and they are used both fresh and dried in salads, to accent cheeses, and in stews. Marigold is an ingredient in the Georgian spice mix, khmeli suneli.
The leaves of the marigold are also edible but become bitter as the plant ages, and should be avoided. As always when eating flowers, care should be taken to avoid plants that have been sprayed with pesticides.
The calendula family, which is often marketed as "pot marigold", is not a true marigold, but is often used like edible marigold and is an acceptable substitute. They have a tendency to be somewhat more bitter.
Irish Lace marigold (Tagetes filifolia) is a preferred culinary marigold, which has better-tasting leaves than the other members of the genus.
Mexican tarragon is misnamed, and is actually a marigold. It has a pronounced herbal anise flavor.