Mexican Tarragon is a versatile and aromatic herb native to Mexico and Central America. This perennial herb is cherished for its culinary, medicinal, and ornamental properties. Mexican Tarragon typically grows as a compact, bushy plant, reaching heights of 18 to 30 inches (45 to 75 centimetres). Its slender stems are adorned with lanceolate, glossy green leaves that exude a sweet, anise-like fragrance when bruised or crushed.
In addition to its delightful fragrance, Mexican Tarragon offers a myriad of benefits. Culinary enthusiasts appreciate Mexican Tarragon for its culinary applications, as its leaves impart a distinctive, liquorice-like flavour to a variety of dishes. It serves as an excellent substitute for French Tarragon in culinary preparations and is commonly used to flavour sauces, soups, stews, and teas. Moreover, the vibrant yellow or orange flowers of Mexican Tarragon are edible and can be used to garnish salads or desserts, adding a pop of colour and flavour.
Beyond its culinary uses, Mexican Tarragon is valued for its medicinal properties. It has been traditionally used in herbal medicine to alleviate digestive discomfort, stimulate appetite, and relieve symptoms of indigestion and flatulence. The herb is also believed to possess antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties, making it a popular choice for treating minor skin irritations and infections. Additionally, Mexican Tarragon is sometimes used in traditional Mexican folk medicine to promote relaxation and alleviate symptoms of anxiety and stress.
In the garden, Mexican Tarragon is easy to grow and thrives in well-drained soil and full sun to partial shade. It is relatively drought-tolerant once established and attracts beneficial pollinators, such as bees and butterflies, with its vibrant blooms. With its delightful fragrance, culinary versatility, and medicinal benefits, Mexican Tarragon is a valuable addition to any herb garden or landscape, offering both beauty and functionality.
Common Name: Mexican Tarragon
Botanical Names:
- Tagetes Lucida
- Tagetes Anethina
- Tagetes Florida
- Tagetes Gilletii
- Tagetes Lucida F. Florida
- Tagetes Pineda
- Tagetes Schiedeana
- Tagetes Seleri
Family: Asteraceae / Compositae
Other Names:
- Hierbanís
- Mexican Marigold
- Mexican Mint Marigold
- Pericón
- Pot Tarragon
- Sweet Mace
- Sweetscented Marigold
- Texas Tarragon
- Yerbaniz
Origin: Central America (Mexico To Guatemala)
Duration: Perennial
Habit: Mexican Tarragon typically exhibits a bushy growth habit. It forms compact clumps of slender stems, reaching heights of 18 to 30 inches (45 to 75 centimetres). The plant's foliage consists of lanceolate, glossy green leaves that emit a sweet, anise-like fragrance when bruised or crushed. Mexican Tarragon produces small, vibrant, edible yellow or orange flowers that bloom in clusters atop the stems.
Hardiness: Hardy
Tarragon, Mexican
Top Diameter: 4.875"
Height: 3.6875"