Calendula, commonly known as "marigold," is a native of Europe and was nmaed by the Romans because the plant blooms on the first day "calends" of every month.
Calendula was well known to the old herbalists as a garden-flower and for use in cookery and medicine. According to Stevens, a 17th century European herbalist, calendula petals were once used so extensively in the Netherlands that barrels full of dried petals could be found in many grocer's and spiceseller's shops.