Artemisia dracunculus (French Tarragon)

Artemisia dracunculus (French Tarragon) is a woody-based, upright perennial prized for its narrowly lance-shaped, aromatic leaves, 3-4 in. long (7-10 cm). Borne on usually erect stems, they emit a delicious pungent anise-like flavor and aroma and are commonly used as a culinary herb in classic French cuisine. Fresh or dried, the leaves can be used in salad dressings, fine herbs, sauces, and mayonnaise. They are also wonderful with cooked dishes such as fish, turkey, chicken, veal, and egg dishes. Elongated panicles of small, nodding, pale yellow flowers bloom in late summer. They rarely set seed, particularly in cool climates. French tarragon is cold-hardy and drought tolerant, however, it dislikes high humidity.