Glebionis segetum aka Corn Marigold

Glebionis segetum, or corn marigold, is in the daisy family. This family bears the name Asteraceae. The plant is an annual from the Mediterranean region. Kew gives its native range as the south and east of that region. RHS lists Britain and Ireland as native lands too. The sources thus differ on where its native range ends. Older records call this plant Chrysanthemum segetum. Other names are field marigold and golden cornflower.

The plant grows upright in a narrow form, like a column. In gardens, it reaches about 1.6–3.3 feet [0.5–1 metre] tall. Its spread is 0.3–1.6 feet [0.1–0.5 metres]. The leaves feel a little fleshy and have pinnate lobes. This means the lobes run along the leaf's central axis. RHS calls the leaves deciduous, which means they fall off. Bright yellow flowerheads bloom in summer and look like daisies. Each head grows alone, about 2 inches [5 centimetres] across. They add summer colour to gardens with an informal style.

Grow corn marigold in full sun, in soil that drains well. It accepts plain garden soil but prefers a sandy mix. Use acid or neutral soil; it cannot tolerate lime. RHS lists moist soil that drains well as suitable. It also lists well-drained soil without that need for moisture. The site can face east, west, or south. Open sites and spots with shelter both suit it. RHS gives this annual a hardiness rating of H7. This rating concerns growth in the UK. It does not mean the plant lives as a perennial.

Sow seeds in spring to grow new plants. You do not need to prune this plant. RHS reports few pests and says disease is rare. Suggested sites include cottage gardens and gardens for wildlife. Wildflower meadows suit it too, as do cultivated beds. It also suits other garden spaces with an informal style. In Britain, it grows as a weed in crop fields. There, it grows on land free of lime. This fits its taste for soil that has no lime.

Plants For A Future lists leaves and young shoots as edible. It describes cooking young shoots but gives a low edibility rating. The same source warns that the plant may contain coumarin. It urges care with leaves, most of all when dried. This is due to a possible effect on blood clotting. These records do not prove the plant safe to eat. The source lists no known uses as medicine.