Tarragon, French Tarragon
Artemisia dracunculus
Family: Asteraceae or Compositae
What it is like
Artemisia dracunculus, commonly called wild tarragon, is a polymorphic species that is native to temperate Europe and Asia. It is also found in western North America, though many of these populations may have resulted from introduction and naturalization. 'Sativa' or Artemisia dracunculus var. sativa is commonly called French tarragon and is commonly used as a culinary herb. It is noted for the pungent anise-like flavor and aroma of its leaves. Also known as: Estragon, alse tarragon, green sagewort, silky wormwood, tarragon. Bloom Color: Yellow. Main Bloom Time: Late summer, Mid summer. Form: Upright or erect.
Artemisia dracunculus is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.6 m (2ft) by 0.3 m (1ft in) at a medium rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 6. It is in flower from June to August. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Wind. It is noted for attracting wildlife. Suitable for: light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers dry or moist soil and can tolerate drought.
Height (m): 0.6
Where it is found
By rivers and streams. Grassland and arid steppe.
S. Europe to W. Asia.
Conservation Status: This taxon has not yet been assessed. Threatened and Endangered Information: Illinois (false tarragon) Endangered
Countries/locations it is found in
Afghanistan, Africa, Alaska, Asia, Australia, Britain, Canada, Caucasus, Central Asia, China, Cuba, Egypt, Europe, France, Georgia, Hawaii, Himalayas (native), India, Indonesia, Iran, Italy, Kazakhstan, Mediterranean, Mongolia, New Zealand, North Africa, North America, Pakistan, Philippines, Russia (native), SE Asia, Serbia, Siberia, Slovenia, South Africa, Southern Africa, Switzerland, Tajikistan, Tasmania, Tibet, Turkey, USA. The USDA database lists Artemisia dracunculus as being native native to some of the L48 (Lower 48 States), Canada, and introduced to Alaska.
How it is used
Food
Rating: 4
Leaves - raw or used as a flavouring in soups etc. Tarragon is a commonly used herbal flavouring that is used in many traditional recipes. It is particularly of value because of its beneficial effect upon the digestion and so is often used with oily foods. The leaves can also be harvested in late summer and dried for later use. The aromatic leaves have a very nice flavour that is somewhat liquorice-like. They make an excellent flavouring in salads. The young shoots can also be cooked and used as a potherb. The leaves are used as a flavouring in vinegar. An essential oil from the leaves is used as a flavouring.
Condiment: the various plants that are used as flavourings, either as herbs, spices or condiments.
Medicine
Rating: 2
Tarragon is a bitter warming aromatic herb that stimulates the digestive system and uterus, lowers fevers and destroys intestinal worms. It is little used in modern herbalism, though it is sometimes employed as an appetizer. The leaves (and an essential oil obtained from them) are antiscorbutic, diuretic, emmenagogue, hypnotic and stomachic. An infusion is used in the treatment of indigestion, flatulence, nausea, hiccups etc. The plant is mildly sedative and has been taken to aid sleep. It also has mild emmenagogue properties and can be used to induce a delayed period. A poultice can be used to relieve rheumatism, gout, arthritis and toothache. The plant is harvested in the summer and can be dried for later use. This herb should not be prescribed for pregnant women. The root has been used to cure toothache. The essential oil is used in aromatherapy to treat digestive and menstrual problems.
Antiscorbutic: A plant rich in vitamin C that is used to counteract scurvy.
Appetizer: Improves the appetite
Diuretic: Acts on the kidneys, promoting the flow of urine.
Emmenagogue: Promotes or increases the menstrual flow. In early stages of pregnancy it can induce an abortion.
Febrifuge: Reduces fevers.
Hypnotic: Induces sleep.
Odontalgic: Treats toothache (temporary measure only) and other problems of the teeth and gums.
Stomachic: Aids and improves the action of the stomach.
Vermifuge: Expels and kills internal parasites.
Other
Rating: 3
The leaves contain about 0.3% essential oil, about 70% of which is methyl chivacol. This is used as a food flavouring, in detergents and also medicinally. Both the growing and the dried plant repels insects. Landscape Uses: Container, Seashore. Special Features: Edible, Fragrant foliage, Not North American native, Inconspicuous flowers or blooms. Provides shelter for beneficial invertebrates: insects and other arthropods. A specialist nectary plant.
Essential: Essential oils that are used in perfumery, medicines, paint solvents, insect repellents etc.
Repellent: Plants that are said to deter but not necessarily kill various mammals, birds, insects etc.
Attracts Wildlife: Plants noted for attracting wildlife
Food Forest: Plants for Edible Forest Gardens and Food Forests.
Scented Plants: Plants noted for their scent
How it is grown
Easily grown in a well-drained circumneutral or slightly alkaline loamy soil, preferring a warm sunny dry position. Plants are not very long-lived when grown in clay soils. Plants are longer lived, more hardy and more aromatic when they are grown in a poor dry soil. Established plants are drought tolerant. Tolerates a pH in the range 6.5 to 7.8. Plants are relatively hardy in Britain, but can be killed in wet winters. It is best to grow tarragon in a dry, rather poor soil since this will produce hardier plants. The dry soil will also help to reduce predation by slugs, these creatures are very fond of the young growth and have been known to completely destroy even well-established plants. When well suited, the plants can spread freely at the roots. The flowers do not open in cool summers and viable seed is seldom produced. Often grown in the herb garden, tarragon is also sometimes grown commercially for its edible leaves which are used mainly as a flavouring. There is at least one named variety, 'Epicure' is a new fragrant cultivar. There is a closely related species, A. dracunculoides or Russian tarragon, which is quite inferior in flavour, though sometimes supplied under this name. A good companion for most plants, especially aubergines and sweet peppers. Members of this genus are rarely if ever troubled by browsing deer. The plant is heat tolerant in zones 7 through 1. (Plant Hardiness Zones show how well plants withstand cold winter temperatures. Plant Heat Zones show when plants would start suffering from the heat. The Plant Heat Zone map is based on the number of "heat days" experienced in a given area where the temperature climbs to over 86 degrees F (30°C). At this temperature, many plants begin to suffer physiological damage. Heat Zones range from 1 (no heat days) to 12 (210 or more heat days). For example Heat Zone. 11-1 indicates that the plant is heat tolerant in zones 11 through 1.) For polyculture design as well as the above-ground architecture (form - tree, shrub etc. and size shown above) information on the habit and root pattern is also useful and given here if available. The plant growth habit is a clumper with limited spread. The root pattern is rhizomatous with underground stems sending roots and shoots along their length.
Propagating it: Seed - surface sow from late winter to early summer in a greenhouse. Fertile seed is rarely produced from this plant - most if not all seed supplied under this name is of the inferior form, Russian tarragon (A. dracunculoides). Therefore, it is best to only propagate by division. Division is very easy in spring or autumn. The divisions can be planted out direct into their permanent positions, though we prefer to pot them up first and grow them on in a cold frame until they have rooted well. Basal cuttings in late spring. Harvest young shoots about 10 - 15c long and pot them up in a lightly shaded place in a greenhouse or cold frame. Plant them out into their permanent positions when well rooted. A very quick and easy method of propagation.
Best place to grow: Cultivated Beds;
Habit: Perennial
Hardiness: 5-8
Growth: Medium
Soil: Light (sandy), medium
Shade: Semi-shade, no shade
Moisture: Dry, moist
Things to keep in mind
Although no reports of toxicity have been seen for this species, skin contact with some members of this genus can cause dermatitis or other allergic reactions in some people.
This plant can be weedy or invasive. Some evidence of weed problems in Nebraska, USA.
Its other names
Local names
Dragon mugwort, Estragon, Pehtran, T'arkhuna, Tarragon, French Tarragon, Russian tarragon,