Ethnobotany for artemisia dracunculus

1. California Tarragon – Artemisia dracunculus (ar-te-MEEZ-ee-uh drak-UN-kyoo-lus)
Family: Asteraceae (Sunflower Family)
Native to: Much of western N. America. In CA all except northern coast & ranges; common on dry,
sandy-rocky places from coastal sage scrub to pine forests up to 11,000 ft. elevation.
Growth characteristics: herbaceous perennial mature height: 2-5 ft. mature width: 1-4 ft.
Herbaceous perennial from a stout, woody root. Many stiff, upright stems. Leaves linear to more
broad, may be toothed. Foliage of some plants scented (like tarragon). Plants spread via
underground stems (rhizomes).
Blooms/fruits: Blooms in summer to fall – usually July to Sept. or Oct. Flowers are small,
yellowish, fairly insignificant.
Uses in the garden: Best used in an herb garden or as a companion plant in the vegetable garden.
Fine as a groundcover and good choice for large pots/planters. Leaves can be used as a flavoring
for vegetables, cooked greens, soups, herb butters, vinegars, salad dressings and sauces. Native
Californians used as a medicine for digestive problems. Fresh/dried leaves repel insects.
Sensible substitute for: Non-native herbs. ‘French Tarragon’ is Artemisia dracunculus ‘Sativa’.
Attracts: Foliage eaten by animals in the wild; birds eat seeds.
Requirements:
Element Requirement
Sun Full sun to light shade
Soil Well-drained a must; sandy or gravelly is best
Water Occasional water (Zone 2); let soil dry between waterings
Fertilizer None
Other
Management: Plant will spread via rhizomes; may need to contain in some gardens. Cut down to
several inches in the fall. Divide clumps every few years.
Propagation: from seed: sow in pots in spring by divisions: best in fall/winter when dormant
Plant/seed sources (see list for source numbers): 2, 10, 16, 20, 24, 27 2/18/11
© Project SOUND