October Flower Calendula/Marigold

Symbolizes winning grace; protection; comfort; healing

Calendula, marigold, is a genus of about 15–20 species of annual and perennial herbaceous plants in the daisy family Asteraceae. Other plants are also known as marigolds, such as corn marigold, desert marigold, marsh marigold, and plants of the genus Tagetes.


The name calendula is a modern Latin diminutive of calendae, meaning "little calendar", "little clock" or possibly "little weather-glass". The common name "marigold" possibly refers to the Virgin Mary.
 
The most commonly cultivated and used member of the genus is the pot marigold (Calendula officinalis). Popular herbal and cosmetic products named 'calendula' invariably derive from C. Officinalis.


Calendula species have been used traditionally as culinary and medicinal herbs. The petals are edible and can be used fresh in salads or dried and used to color cheese or as a replacement for saffron. A yellow dye has been extracted from the flowers.

Calendula is known to cause allergic reactions. It should be avoided during pregnancy.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Birth_flower