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Mexican Tarragon Tagetes lucida

Phonetic Spelling
TA-ji-teez LU-si-da
This plant has low severity poison characteristics.
See below
Description

Tagetes, or Marigolds, is a genus in the sunflower or aster family that includes 49 species of flowering, herbaceous plants with a shrubby form that are native to Central and South America and have been introduced throughout the world. Tagetes lucida, or Mexican Tarragon, is native to the hill sides and woodlands in Mexico and South America where it is a perennial. In zones colder than 8 it is grown as an annual. It has cheerful yellow composite flowers that appear in the late spring and early fall. 

Plant it in the full sun in light well-drained soils. It tolerates most soil types including clay; however, it cannot grow in full shade and is not particularly cold hardy. Mexican Tarragon pairs well in vegetable gardens with tomatoes or you can plant them in an herb garden, a border front, or along a pathway or patio. Propagate this plant by seed.

The plant is often used in tea, to color foods, and as a substitute for tarragon; however, it can be harmful if eaten in large amounts. The juice, sap, or thorns of these plants may cause a painful skin rash or irritation. Wash the affected area of skin with soap and water as soon as possible after contact.

Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems:  

Slugs and snails can be a problem especially for seedlings. Botrytis is an occasional disease problem.

 

 VIDEO Created by Elisabeth Meyer for "Annuals, Perennials, Vines, and Groundcovers" a plant identification course offered in partnership with Longwood Gardens. 

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Cultivars / Varieties:
Tags:
#yellow flowers#edible flowers#herbaceous perennial#edible leaves#wilson mg plant sale 2021#herb garden#hs303
 
Cultivars / Varieties:
Tags:
#yellow flowers#edible flowers#herbaceous perennial#edible leaves#wilson mg plant sale 2021#herb garden#hs303
  • Attributes:
    Genus:
    Tagetes
    Species:
    lucida
    Family:
    Asteraceae
    Uses (Ethnobotany):
    The leaves were used in the flavoring of 'chocolatl', the cocoa-based drink of the Aztecs.
    Life Cycle:
    Annual
    Perennial
    Recommended Propagation Strategy:
    Seed
    Country Or Region Of Origin:
    Mexico to Honduras
    Edibility:
    Flowers are used to make tea. Leaves are used fresh or dried in soups and sauces. Their flavor is similar to anise.
    Dimensions:
    Height: 0 ft. 6 in. - 2 ft. 6 in.
    Width: 0 ft. 6 in. - 1 ft. 6 in.
  • Whole Plant Traits:
    Plant Type:
    Annual
    Herb
    Herbaceous Perennial
    Habit/Form:
    Broad
    Erect
    Multi-stemmed
    Growth Rate:
    Medium
    Maintenance:
    Low
  • Cultural Conditions:
    Light:
    Full sun (6 or more hours of direct sunlight a day)
    Soil Texture:
    Clay
    Loam (Silt)
    Sand
    Soil pH:
    Acid (<6.0)
    Alkaline (>8.0)
    Neutral (6.0-8.0)
    Soil Drainage:
    Good Drainage
    Moist
    Occasionally Dry
    Available Space To Plant:
    12 inches-3 feet
    NC Region:
    Coastal
    USDA Plant Hardiness Zone:
    8a, 8b, 9a, 9b, 10a, 10b, 11a, 11b
  • Fruit:
    Fruit Color:
    Black
    Fruit Type:
    Achene
    Fruit Description:
    Achenes black, narrowly cylindrical; pappus of 1 to 3 setae and 7 to 9 much shorter scales with ciliate margins.
  • Flowers:
    Flower Color:
    Gold/Yellow
    Flower Inflorescence:
    Corymb
    Head
    Flower Value To Gardener:
    Fragrant
    Showy
    Flower Bloom Time:
    Fall
    Summer
    Flower Shape:
    Radial
    Flower Petals:
    4-5 petals/rays
    Flower Size:
    < 1 inch
    Flower Description:
    Sweetly scented, yellow, daisy-like flowers appear in August and September. Dead-heading will prolong flowering. Flowers display clusters of small golden yellow flower heads on the ends of the stems. The flower heads are 1⁄2 inch across and have 3 to 5 golden-yellow ray florets.
  • Leaves:
    Leaf Color:
    Green
    Leaf Feel:
    Smooth
    Leaf Type:
    Compound (Pinnately , Bipinnately, Palmately)
    Leaf Arrangement:
    Opposite
    Leaf Shape:
    Linear
    Oblong
    Leaf Margin:
    Denticulate
    Hairs Present:
    No
    Leaf Length:
    1-3 inches
    Leaf Description:
    The leaves are linear to oblong, about 3 inches long, and shiny medium green.
  • Stem:
    Stem Is Aromatic:
    No
  • Landscape:
    Landscape Location:
    Container
    Houseplants
    Patio
    Walkways
    Landscape Theme:
    Cottage Garden
    Drought Tolerant Garden
    Edible Garden
    Attracts:
    Butterflies
    Songbirds
    Resistance To Challenges:
    Deer
    Drought
  • Poisonous to Humans:
    Poison Severity:
    Low
    Poison Symptoms:
    Skin redness, burning pain, and blisters when broken skin is in contact with cell sap plus sunlight; nose and eye irritation from aroma of flowers.
    Poison Toxic Principle:
    Phototoxic thiophene derivatives
    Causes Contact Dermatitis:
    Yes
    Poison Part:
    Flowers
    Leaves
    Roots