Russian Tarragon (Siberian Tarragon, False Tarragon)
Kingdom: Plantae, Division: Tracheophyta, Class: Magnoliopsida, Order: Asterales, Family: Asteraceae, Genus: Artemisia, Species: Artemisia dracunculus · Asteraceae (Daisy, Aster, or Sunflower family) · Simple, deciduous herbaceous perennial
Species
Artemisia dracunculus
Leaf Type
Simple, deciduous herbaceous perennial
Family
Asteraceae (Daisy, Aster, or Sunflower family)
Shape
Linear to lanceolate, entire or occasionally deeply lobed
Size
Approximately 1 to 2 inches long and 0.1 to 0.2 inches wide, typical for mature herbaceous growth
Margin
Entire, smooth edges without teeth or lobes
Arrangement
Alternate along the slender, branching stems
Rarity
Very Common in cultivation and gardens worldwide
Color & Pattern
Bright vibrant green to yellowish-green throughout, uniformly colored without variegation, displaying a slightly lighter green underside
Venation Pattern
Pinnate with a single central prominent midrib and indistinct lateral veins
Texture & Surface
Smooth, glabrous, and soft to the touch with a matte finish
Description
Russian tarragon is a vigorous, upright, herbaceous perennial shrub growing up to 3 to 5 feet tall with numerous branching stems. It produces an abundance of narrow, aromatic green leaves and small greenish-white flower heads in late summer, spreading easily via underground rhizomes.
Key Features
Slender, linear to lanceolate bright green leaves arranged alternately on upright branching stems, lack of the distinct anise or licorice aroma and flavor found in French tarragon, and robust, hardy perennial growth habit
Habitat
Well-drained soils in full sun, highly adaptable to poor soils, drought-tolerant once established, thriving in temperate zones
Geographic Range
Native to Asia and Eastern Europe, widely cultivated globally in gardens and agricultural fields
Condition Notes
Excellent health, vibrant green coloration showing no signs of disease, pests, chlorosis, or environmental stress
Interesting Facts
Unlike sterile French tarragon which must be propagated by root division, Russian tarragon easily produces viable seeds and spreads aggressively by underground runners. It is much hardier and faster growing than its French counterpart.
Medicinal & Uses
Used lightly as a culinary herb, though inferior in flavor to French tarragon. Often utilized in landscaping as a robust green background plant, and historically used in traditional herbal medicine for digestive support and as an appetite stimulant
Ecological Role
Provides cover and minor forage for generalist herbivores and pollinators, though less attractive to insects compared to native flowering plants
Similar Species
French Tarragon (Artemisia dracunculus var. sativa), which features darker green, glossier leaves and a potent, sweet anise-like flavor and aroma
Foraging Tips
Look in sunny garden plots and disturbed soils. Crush a leaf to check for aroma; Russian tarragon has a much milder, grassy, or slightly bitter scent compared to the strong licorice scent of French tarragon
Toxicity Warning
Non-toxic and generally safe for culinary and medicinal consumption in normal amounts