Corn Marigold is a strong, heavily branched plant that can reach a height of 1 meter in nitrogen-rich soil.

The leaves are about 10 cm long and are deeply to shallowly lobed.

The plant has a waxy surface and is hairless, giving it a blue-green appearance.

Flower heads 3-6 cm. cross and resemble a single huge flower, typical of the dasiy family (Asteraceae).

The disc flowers in the center are golden yellow, and the solitary golden petals of the ray flowers that form the outer part of the flower head are up to 1.5 cm long.

The seeds of the inner disc flowers are cylindrical and wingless, while the seeds of the outer ray flowers are broad and winged.