French Tarragon
Artemisia dracunculus
Also listed as Oligosporus dracunculus, Draconia dracunculus
Also known as Tarragon, Dragon Sagewort, Dragon Wormwood
Climate Match for your location
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French tarragon is a culinary herb prized for its delicate, slightly licorice-flavored leaves used fresh or dried in cooking. It prefers full sun and well-drained soil, spreading moderately and dying back in winter in cooler climates.
Why grow it
French tarragon distinguishes itself from Russian tarragon (Artemisia dracunculoides) by its superior flavor complexity and refined anise notes, making it the preferred culinary variety for French cuisine and fine cooking. Unlike many perennial herbs, it requires deliberate management to maintain vigor and flavor quality. Its moderate spread and winter dormancy in cold climates make it a manageable garden occupant compared to aggressive spreading herbs.
Watch out for
French tarragon can decline in vigor after several years and benefits from periodic division or replacement to sustain productivity. In humid climates, ensure adequate air circulation to prevent fungal issues. The plant's dormancy period means it will appear to die back completely in winter, which can lead growers to mistakenly assume it has perished rather than entered seasonal rest.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Asteraceae
Native to the United States
Native Range
Central Asia
Native to: Arizona, California, Colorado, Iowa, Idaho, Illinois, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, North Dakota, Nebraska, New Mexico, Nevada, New York, Oklahoma, Oregon, South Dakota, Texas, Utah, Washington, Wisconsin, Wyoming
Seasonality
Harvest Season
Edible Parts
Season of Interest
Herb
Soft non-woody plants of the field layer.
Tolerances & Soil
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Years to Bearing
- Propagation
French tarragon is a culinary herb prized for its delicate, slightly licorice-flavored leaves used fresh or dried in cooking. It prefers full sun and well-drained soil, spreading moderately and dying back in winter in cooler climates.
Climate Match for your location
See how well French Tarragon grows in your area.
Enter your ZIP code and we'll show you how this plant fits your local climate.
Why grow it
French tarragon distinguishes itself from Russian tarragon (Artemisia dracunculoides) by its superior flavor complexity and refined anise notes, making it the preferred culinary variety for French cuisine and fine cooking. Unlike many perennial herbs, it requires deliberate management to maintain vigor and flavor quality. Its moderate spread and winter dormancy in cold climates make it a manageable garden occupant compared to aggressive spreading herbs.
Watch out for
French tarragon can decline in vigor after several years and benefits from periodic division or replacement to sustain productivity. In humid climates, ensure adequate air circulation to prevent fungal issues. The plant's dormancy period means it will appear to die back completely in winter, which can lead growers to mistakenly assume it has perished rather than entered seasonal rest.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Asteraceae
Native to the United States
Native Range
Central Asia
Native to: Arizona, California, Colorado, Iowa, Idaho, Illinois, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, North Dakota, Nebraska, New Mexico, Nevada, New York, Oklahoma, Oregon, South Dakota, Texas, Utah, Washington, Wisconsin, Wyoming
Seasonality
Harvest Season
Edible Parts
Season of Interest
Herb
Soft non-woody plants of the field layer.
Tolerances & Soil
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Years to Bearing
- Propagation
Similar herbs you might consider:
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