Herb Fact Sheet

Tarragon

Artemisia dracunculus

Native habitat

• Southern Russia
• Parts of central and eastern Europe
• Northern China 
• Western and central North America

Growing and Propagation

• Likes a well-drained, slightly acid soil, so will thrive in sandy, stony soils.
• It does not like shade, water-logged soil or heavy frost. So cut the plants back in winter and cover with straw mulch.
• Take cuttings in summer - best from a packet of fresh supermarket tarragon.

Parts used

• Leaves

Uses

• In chicken, salmon and other fish dishes, and for flavouring vegetables, such as buttered carrots.
• To flavour sauces and vinegar.

Folklore

Its Latin name comes from Artemis, the Greek Goddess of hunting, who was said to have given this plant to the centaur, Chiron.

It was also known as the 'dragon herb' (the second part of the name comes from the Latin, dracunculus, and means 'little dragon'). It was probably given this name because it was very useful in dealing with snake bites and bites from mad dogs!

Mulch means to cover the soil around the stem of the plant with organic material to keep it moist in summer (do this in the Spring) and warm in winter (to be done in the autumn). It should be left undisturbed and not dug in.

Tarragon leaves

Buttered carrots with chopped tarragon leaves

Its Latin name comes from Artemis, the Greek Goddess of hunting

Activities

• Make Tarragon vinegar for use in salads
• Make tarragon dressing for use with fish or chicken
• Make fines herbs for use in cooking