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Description Mexican tarragon is a half-hardy semi-woody sub-shrub that grows 18-30 in (46-76 cm) tall. The plant is bushy with many smooth, upright, unbranched stems. The leaves are linear to oblong, about 3 in (7.6 cm) long, and shiny medium green, not blue-green as in real French tarragon (Artemisia dracunculus var. sativa). Bruised leaves have a sweet tarragon-like smell with overtones of anise. In late summer Mexican tarragon bears clusters of small yellow flower heads on the ends of the stems. The flower heads are about 0.5 in (1.3 cm) across and have 3-5 golden-yellow ray florets. They continue to bloom late into autumn.
Location
Culture
Mexican tarragon is an attractive landscape ornamental. It isn't gaudy or flashy. Use it in perennial borders where its shiny green leaves and little golden flowers make a polite, subtle statement. It can tolerate partial shade. Mexican tarragon is an important part of the herb garden. Use the flowers of Mexican tarragon fresh in salads, and the leaves as a substitute for French tarragon. The flavor is said to be very similar to the harder-to-grow French tarragon. Snip off the last few inches from new fast-growing tips. Dried leaves will retain some of their distinctive sweet aroma, but are not as good. Better to freeze or store in vinegar. As with any aromatic herb, add to soups, sauces, chicken dishes, etc. near the end of cooking or the flavors will be lost to evaporation. A soothing, aromatic herbal tea is made from the leaves. Mexican tarragon also is used in herbal vinegars.
Features Steve Christman 1/2/00; updated 2/27/04
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