Mexican Tarragon (Tagetes lucida)

Family: Asteraceae or Compositae | Edibility: Choice Edible (4/5)

Tagetes lucida is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.8 m (2ft 7in) by 0.4 m (1ft 4in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 9. It is in flower from August to September. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils, prefers well-drained soil and can grow in heavy clay soil.

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Leaves

Harvest Seasons: Early Summer, Spring

Flavor & Culinary Uses

flavouring soups, sauces etc. — The leaves are dried and ground into a powder then used as a tarragon substitute for flavouring soups, sauces etc.; They have an anise-like flavour.; The leaves were an important flavouring of 'chocolatl', the foaming cocoa-based drink of the Aztecs.; The dried leaves and flowering tops are brewed into a pleasant anise-flavoured tea.

Habitat & North American Range

Woods, hillsides and rocky slopes. (Zone 8)