Field Marigold vs Han Lian Cao

Field Marigold (Calendula arvensis) and Han Lian Cao (Eclipta prostrata) — side-by-side cultivation, uses, and safety.

SIDE A

Field Marigold

Calendula arvensis

Asteraceaeediblemedicinal

SIDE B

Han Lian Cao

Eclipta prostrata

Asteraceaeediblemedicinal

Side-by-side attributes

Attribute	Field Marigold	Han Lian Cao
Latin name	Calendula arvensis	Eclipta prostrata
Family	Asteraceae	Asteraceae
Edible	yes	yes
Medicinal	yes	yes
Life cycle	Annual	Annual
Mature height	0.3 m	0.6 m
Light	7/10	7/10
Water	Moist	Moist, Wet
Soil	Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)	Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Hardiness	5-9	10-12
pH range	7.5–8	5–5.5
Edible parts	Flowers, Leaves, Shoots	Leaves, Shoots
Propagation	—	—

III

Which to pick

Both have their place

Field Marigold and Han Lian Cao cover similar territory. Pick based on what you can actually grow (climate, soil) and what's locally available. See the cultivation rows above for the deciding factors.

Frequently asked

What is the main difference between Field Marigold and Han Lian Cao?

Field Marigold (Calendula arvensis) and Han Lian Cao (Eclipta prostrata) are both in the Asteraceae family. See the side-by-side table above for cultivation needs, edible parts, and medicinal uses.

Can Field Marigold and Han Lian Cao be combined?

Plant combinations should be evaluated case by case. Check the safety/contraindications section on each plant's profile (Field Marigold and Han Lian Cao) before mixing. Some combinations are synergistic, others can interact with medication.

Are these plants safe?

Every plant profile includes a Cautions section with contraindications, drug interactions, and population warnings. Consult a healthcare professional before using either for medicinal purposes.

❦❦❦❦

Endpaper · archive updates

Get archive updates

Occasional email when substantial new content lands — plant profiles, seasonal growing notes, folk-remedy additions. Free, no tracking, unsubscribe anytime.