Tarragon Artemisia dracunculus

Artemisia dracunculus is an herbaceous perennial in the sunflower family.  This is a wild tarragon plant from which culinary varieties have been cultivated for their aromatic leaves.  It is widely distributed throughout much of North America and Eurasia.  In the wild, this plant is found in dry open places such as roadsides, meadows, desert scrub habitats, or disturbed areas. 

This shrub-like plant reaches heights up to 3 feet with erect stems, slender branches, and narrow linear leaves.  It produces non-ornamental flowers in summer resulting in viable seeds that may self-seed.  It spreads readily by means of rhizomatous roots and it is easily propagated from root-stocks.  The wild species has been used primarily for medicinal purposes and, to a lesser extent, culinary use.  A. dracunculus, when denoted without reference to any cultivar or variety, refers to wild tarragon that has minimal fragrance and its flavor may be bland or unpleasant.  Cultivars developed and preferred for culinary use, are more pungent and flavorful.  Culinary varieties specify the cultivar name for clarity (e.g., A. dracunculus 'Sativa' is French Tarragon). 

Wild tarragon is best suited to dry, sunny, pH neutral, well-drained soil.  It is suitable for herb gardens, containers, or naturalized areas but is generally not used in ornamental plantings as it can take on a weedy appearance.  Plants are susceptible to root or crown rot in moist, poorly drained soils.  Plants may decline during wet, humid summers or cold, wet winters.  Removing flower buds, dead-heading, and pruning in mid to late summer helps to rejuvenate healthy growth. In early spring, cut plants to the ground.  Clumps should be divided every 2-4 years to maintain robust growth.  This plant is known to be poisonous to dogs, cats, and horses if ingested in sufficient quantity.  In humans, occasional consumption of the plant in small culinary quantities is thought to be safe. Scientific literature regarding toxicity from other uses is inconclusive.  Essential oils in the plant, particularly its roots, has the potential to cause contact dermatitis in humans.

More information on Artemisia.