Calendula

Calendula, also known as Elvish marigold, is a flowering plant native to the Eldar Wood. It is a useful plant for druids and herbalists alike.

Basic Information

Anatomy

Calendula is a perennial herbaceous plant related to the common daisy. It has smooth, flat leaves that are deep green in color. Its flowers feature several rows of golden yellow flower petals arranged around a yellow center.

Ecology and Habitats

Calendula is most frequently found in the deep undergrowth of ancient forests. It grows best in well-shaded spots near mature chestnut and oak trees. Though it is only native to the Eldar Wood, it has been successfully introduced to some other forests, including the Gaeno Woods and parts of the Western Woods (particularly near the Crown-Fire Grove).

Additional Information

Domestication

Calendula is occasionally cultivated in gardens outside the Eldar Wood, primarily because of its frequent mention in herbal remedies described by sages of Eldanír-in-Danu. However, without mature trees nearby, it grows as an annual, not a perennial, plant.

Uses, Products & Exploitation

Calendula leaves are commonly found in wound dressings and compresses.
The flowers of the calendula are said to point towards the nearest fey-window. Druidic divination rituals, particularly those used to detect Fey presence, often make use of calendula flowers.
Both the leaves and the flowers of calendula are often used in cooking. The leaves have a mild bitterness to them, similar to spinach, and are frequently used in salads and broths. The flowers can be brewed into wine or ground into a golden powder that lends a mildly sweet floral taste to breads and puddings. It is sometimes called "woodsman's saffron."

Calendula flowers and leaves.

Geographic Distribution

• Eldar Wood