Common Name: French tarragon
Type: Herbaceous perennial
Family: Asteraceae
Zone: 5 to 8
Height: 1.50 to 3.00 feet
Spread: 1.50 to 2.00 feet
Bloom Time: Rarely flowers
Bloom Description: Greenish-white
Sun: Full sun
Water: Dry to medium
Maintenance: Medium
Suggested Use: Annual, Herb
Leaf: Fragrant
Tolerate: Rabbit, Deer, Drought, Dry Soil
Culture
Best grown in organically rich, dry to medium moisture, well-drained soils in full sun. Prefers a neutral soil. Avoid wet soils. Appreciates a sheltered location and a year-round mulch in the St. Louis area. Cut plants to the ground in early spring. Dividing the clumps every 3-4 years will help keep plants robust, but replacement of the plants should be considered if plant vitality declines. Since any seed produced is generally sterile, French tarragon should be propagated by cuttings or division. Fresh leaves may be harvested at any time for cooking. Leaves may also be dried for later use by cutting the leafy stems in mid-summer and hanging them in bunches in a cool, dry location. Dried leaves should then be stored in airtight containers.
Noteworthy Characteristics
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. It produces viable seed and will often self-seed. Its leaves produce variable flavor and aroma, sometimes lacking both flavor and aroma. It has a long history of medicinal uses, but the species is not often used for culinary purposes. It is a rhizomatous perennial or sub-shrub that typically grows to 24” (less frequently to 36”) tall on generally erect stems clad with narrow, linear to lance-shaped, light to medium green leaves (to 3-4” long). Greenish white flowers in narrow elongated panicles bloom in summer.
Tarragon sold under the species name without reference to cultivar or variety may be the less pungent Russian tarragon, which is considered by most cooks to be significantly inferior for culinary use. See A. d. 'Sativa' for information on French tarragon.
Genus is named for Artemis, Greek goddess of the moon, wild animals and hunting.
Specific epithet is a Latin word meaning a small dragon.
'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. It is a shrubby perennial which typically grows 18-24" (less frequently to 36") tall on generally erect, leafy stems and slowly spreads by creeping rhizomes. Its narrow, lance-shaped, dark green leaves (to 3" long) may be used fresh or dried to add flavoring to fish, meats, vegetables, eggs, salads, sauces or vinegars. It is the primary flavoring in béarnaise sauce. French tarragon rarely produces seeds and those produced are usually sterile (plants must be propagated by stem cuttings or division).
Problems
Susceptible to root rot in moist soils, particularly poorly drained ones. French tarragon does not always survive St. Louis winters, and wet soils in winter is a common cause of plant demise.
Uses
Wild tarragon is an aromatic herb that is primarily grown in herb gardens. It also may be effectively grown in containers or window boxes. It is generally not considered suitable for borders or other ornamental plantings.