The showy desert marigold is a mound-shaped biennial or short-lived perennial that grows 12-18 inches tall. This daisy-like plant forms impressive mounds of yellow flowers. Above the mounds of woolly, gray foliage rise bright yellow, long-lasting flowers. There are a lot of nearly leafless flower stalks at the end of each branch of this grayish, woolly plant. The plant is branched and leafy mostly in the lower half, with brilliant yellow flowers in neat heads at the end of each one. As the flowers age, they become papery. They bloom sporadically for a long time.

Along miles of desert roadsides, dense patches of yellow often form solid strips. Garden plants grow into perfect yellow hemispheres throughout the summer and fall.

In honor of Mary, Marigold is the name given to several species of Asteraceae with sunny yellow or orange flowers.

Desert marigolds thrive in poor, dry soils and extreme heat. If the soil is too wet, it is susceptible to crown rot. During favorable conditions, desert marigolds will self-sow. For seedling rosettes to set buds, they must undergo a cold dormancy period.