Common Name: |
Tarragon |
Other Names: |
French tarragon, estragon |
Botanical Name: |
Artemisia dracunculus |
Genus: |
Artemisia |
Family: |
Asteraceae |
Native Location: |
SE Russia |
Cultivation: |
Well-drained, neutral to slightly alkaline soil in sun. Artemisia absinthium, A. a. 'Lambrook Silver', and A. lucoviciana tolerate drought. A. capillaris thrives in moist soil and tolerates light shade. Hardiness varies with species; cover marginally hardy plants with loose straw or overwinter plants under cover. In spring, cut back shrubby species near ground level, or remove dead stems and trim to shape. Rust may attack foliage. |
Propagation: |
By seed sown in spring (annuals, perennials, and A. d. subsp. dracunculoides); by semi-ripe cuttings with a heel in summer (shrubby species); by division in autumn or spring (perennials). |
Harvest: |
By seed sown in spring (annuals, perennials, and A. d. subsp. dracunculoides); by semi-ripe cuttings with a heel in summer (shrubby species); by division in autumn or spring (perennials). |
Varieties: |
Subsp. dracunculoides (Russian tarragon) Is hardier and more vigorous than the species, with narrower, paler leaves. It sets seed more readily, and has a pungent, less pleasant flavor, said to improve in mature plants. Height: 1.5m (5ft) Width: 60cm (24in) |
Height: |
45cm-1m (1½-3ft) |
:Width |
30-38cm (12-15in) |
Hardiness: |
Z3-7 |
Parts Used: |
Leaves, oil |
Properties: |
A bitter, warming, aromatic herb that stimulates the digestive system and uterus, acts as a diuretic, lowers fevers, and destroys intestinal worms. |
Medicinal Uses: |
Internally for poor digestion, indigestion, and worms in children. Not given to pregnant women. Externally for rheumatism and toothache. In aromatherapy for digestive and menstrual problems. |
Culinary Uses: |
Leaves are used to flavor chicken, egg dishes, salad dressings, vinegar, mustard, and sauces, such as béarnaise, béchamel, and tartare. Popular in the form of a cordial, tarhun, in its native Georgia. |
Economic Uses: |
Oil is used in commercial flavorings, perfumery, and detergents. |
Warning: |
Artemisias, and extracts from them, such as cineole and santonin, are subject to legal restrictions in some countries. |
Bibliography: |
Encylopedia of Herbs by Deni Brown Copyright ©: 1995, 2001 Dorling Kindersley Limited pp 130-131, 133
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