The rest stops along I-70 in Kansas are resplendent with flowers in the summer. These marigolds are an example.

According to Wikipedia, marigolds — tagetes — are a genus of 56 species of annual and perennial mostly herbaceous plants in the sunflower family (Asteraceae or Compositae). The genus is native to North and South America, but some species have become naturalized around the world.

The common name in English, “marigold”, is derived from “Mary’s Gold”, a name once exclusively applied to Calendula.

Depending on the species, Wikipedia notes, marigold foliage has a musky, pungent scent that is said to deter some common insect pests. Tagetes are often used as companion plantings for tomato, eggplant, chili pepper, tobacco and potato.

(Photo © Susan McKee)