Tarragon, Biting Dragon, Dragon Plant, Estragon, French Tarragon, True Tarragon, Wild Tarragon
Artemisia dracunculus, commonly known as Tarragon, is a clump-forming, herbaceous perennial in the Asteraceae family prized for its slender, aromatic leaves with a distinctive anise-like flavor. Native to Eurasia and North America, this herb has been cultivated for centuries for its culinary, medicinal, and ornamental qualities. The plant thrives in dry, sunny conditions and is a key ingredient in classic French cuisine.
Aside from Tarragon, the Asteraceae family includes other popular culinary plants such as artichoke, lettuce, chicory, cardoon, sunflower, Jerusalem artichoke, safflower, dandelion, daisy, calendula, chamomile, and wormwood.
Tarragon is native to vast regions of Eurasia and North America. Wild forms grow in dry meadows, roadsides, and disturbed habitats from Europe to Siberia and across parts of the United States and Canada. French tarragon, a cultivated form of Artemisia dracunculus, is believed to have originated in the Mediterranean.
There are three main types of tarragon, each with distinct differences in flavor, growth habit, and culinary suitability.
French Tarragon (Artemisia dracunculus ‘Sativa’): The true culinary tarragon, cherished in French cuisine for its intense, sweet anise-like flavor. It is sterile and does not produce viable seeds, requiring propagation by division or cuttings. It rarely flowers and prefers well-drained soil. In colder climates, it is best grown in containers for protection during winter.
Russian Tarragon (Artemisia dracunculus): More vigorous and cold-hardy than French tarragon, this type can be grown from seed and produces viable flowers. Its flavor is milder and slightly bitter, making it less desirable for fine culinary use but well-suited for tough growing conditions.
Mexican Tarragon (Tagetes lucida): Also known as Spanish or Texas tarragon, this unrelated species in the marigold family mimics the flavor of French tarragon and is valued as a substitute in hot, humid regions. It produces golden-yellow flowers and thrives in full sun but behaves as an annual in cooler climates.
Tarragon is a herbaceous perennial with a shrubby, clumping habit. It produces numerous slender stems with narrow, lance-shaped leaves. It spreads via rhizomatous roots and grows upright, forming loose clusters of leafy stems.
Tarragon grows 2 to 4 feet (60 to 120 cm) tall and spreads 1 to 1.5 feet (30 to 45 cm) wide. French tarragon tends to be more compact and manageable in containers, while Russian tarragon grows taller and more vigorously.
Tarragon is a long-lived perennial that can remain productive for many years with proper care. Clumps should be divided every 2 to 4 years to maintain vigor and promote healthy new growth.
Tarragon produces small, greenish-yellow to white flowers in elongated panicles from mid to late summer. The blooms are neither showy nor fragrant and are often removed in culinary varieties to preserve leaf flavor. French tarragon rarely flowers and does not set seed, particularly in cooler climates.
Russian tarragon produces viable seeds, while French tarragon is sterile and propagated vegetatively. The tiny seeds develop after flowering and may self-sow under favorable conditions.
The foliage consists of narrow, linear to lance-shaped leaves with smooth edges, aromatic qualities, and a bright to gray-green color. Leaves typically measure 1 to 3 inches (2.5 to 7.5 cm) long and offer a fine, smooth texture. Tarragon leaves are a staple in French cuisine, used fresh or dried in salad dressings, sauces, and the fines herbes blend. They pair beautifully with cooked dishes such as fish, poultry, veal, and eggs.
Tarragon is hardy in USDA zones 3–8. French tarragon is less tolerant of cold and excessive moisture, especially during winter, and is often grown in containers in colder climates. Russian tarragon is more robust, cold-hardy, and adaptable to a wider range of conditions.
Tarragon provides limited nectar but does attract occasional bees and small pollinators during its flowering season. While not a major food source for wildlife, its presence in a diverse garden contributes to ecological health.
Once established, tarragon is moderately drought-tolerant. It can thrive in dry conditions once established, though consistent moisture promotes better leaf production and flavor.
Tarragon is generally resistant to deer and rabbits due to its aromatic foliage, which animals find unpalatable. However, very hungry herbivores may still sample young shoots.
Tarragon contains various essential oils, including estragole, methyl eugenol, thujone, and furanocoumarins, which can pose risks if consumed in large quantities. While small culinary amounts are generally considered safe for humans, excessive intake may cause mild digestive upset or photosensitivity. The plant may also cause contact dermatitis in sensitive individuals due to its essential oil content.
Tarragon is toxic to cats, dogs, and horses if ingested in significant amounts. Symptoms of toxicity in animals may include vomiting, hypersalivation, diarrhea, dilated pupils, low blood pressure, lethargy or hyperactivity, and, in severe cases, incoordination or coma.
All parts of the plant—bark, flowers, fruits, leaves, roots, seeds, and stems—contain the potentially harmful compounds. Care should be taken to prevent pets from ingesting the plant and to wear gloves when handling if skin sensitivity is a concern.
Tarragon may become weedy or invasive in some regions or habitats and may displace desirable vegetation if not properly managed.
French Tarragon (Artemisia dracunculus ‘Sativa’) is sterile and does not produce viable seeds. It must be propagated vegetatively by division or cuttings.
Russian Tarragon (Artemisia dracunculus) produces viable seeds and can also be propagated by division or cuttings.
Label your plants, as French and Russian tarragon look similar but differ greatly in flavor and use.
Tarragon is a versatile companion herb known to improve the flavor of nearby crops and repel harmful pests. Its aromatic foliage helps deter insects, and it shares growing preferences with many garden vegetables and herbs.
Tarragon (Artemisia dracunculus) is a perennial herb in the Asteraceae family known for its slender, aromatic leaves and distinctive anise-like flavor. Native to Europe, Asia, and North America, it is widely used in French cuisine and valued for both culinary and medicinal uses. French Tarragon is considered the most flavorful variety and is often used in sauces, dressings, and herbal blends.
If tarragon is unavailable, several herbs can serve as substitutes depending on the dish:
Tarragon has a unique flavor profile combining sweet, bitter, and peppery notes with a prominent hint of anise or licorice. French tarragon is smooth, subtle, and slightly warm, making it a standout in savory dishes. The flavor is most pronounced when used fresh and added toward the end of cooking.
Hardiness |
3 - 8 |
---|---|
Heat Zones |
1 - 7 |
Climate Zones | 2B, 3, 3A, 3B, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, A1, A2, A3 |
Plant Type | Herbs, Perennials |
Plant Family | Compositae |
Genus | Artemisia |
Common names | Tarragon |
Exposure | Full Sun |
Season of Interest | Summer (Early, Mid, Late), Fall |
Height | 2' - 4' (60cm - 120cm) |
Spread | 1' - 2' (30cm - 60cm) |
Spacing | 18" - 24" (50cm - 60cm) |
Maintenance | Low |
Water Needs | Low |
Soil Type | Loam, Sand |
Soil pH | Acid, Alkaline, Neutral |
Soil Drainage | Well-Drained |
Characteristics | Fragrant, Showy |
Tolerance | Deer, Rabbit, Drought, Dry Soil |
Garden Uses | Banks And Slopes, Beds And Borders, Patio And Containers |
Garden Styles | Informal and Cottage, Gravel and Rock Garden |
Hardiness |
3 - 8 |
---|---|
Heat Zones |
1 - 7 |
Climate Zones | 2B, 3, 3A, 3B, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, A1, A2, A3 |
Plant Type | Herbs, Perennials |
Plant Family | Compositae |
Genus | Artemisia |
Common names | Tarragon |
Exposure | Full Sun |
Season of Interest | Summer (Early, Mid, Late), Fall |
Height | 2' - 4' (60cm - 120cm) |
Spread | 1' - 2' (30cm - 60cm) |
Spacing | 18" - 24" (50cm - 60cm) |
Maintenance | Low |
Water Needs | Low |
Soil Type | Loam, Sand |
Soil pH | Acid, Alkaline, Neutral |
Soil Drainage | Well-Drained |
Characteristics | Fragrant, Showy |
Tolerance | Deer, Rabbit, Drought, Dry Soil |
Garden Uses | Banks And Slopes, Beds And Borders, Patio And Containers |
Garden Styles | Informal and Cottage, Gravel and Rock Garden |
How many Artemisia dracunculus (Tarragon) do I need for my garden?
Plant | Quantity | |
---|---|---|
Artemisia dracunculus (Tarragon) | N/A | Buy Plants |
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Becoming a contributing member of Gardenia is easy and can be done in just a few minutes. If you provide us with your name, email address and the payment of a modest $25 annual membership fee, you will become a full member, enabling you to design and save up to 25 of your garden design ideas.
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