Estragon

Easily grown in a well-drained circumneutral or slightly alkaline loamy soil, preferring a warm sunny dry position. Plants are not very long-lived when grown in clay soils. Plants are longer lived, more hardy and more aromatic when they are grown in a poor dry soil. Established plants are drought tolerant. Tolerates a pH in the range 6.5 to 7.8. Plants are relatively hardy in Britain, but can be killed in wet winters. It is best to grow tarragon in a dry, rather poor soil since this will produce hardier plants. The dry soil will also help to reduce predation by slugs, these creatures are very fond of the young growth and have been known to completely destroy even well-established plants[K]. When well suited, the plants can spread freely at the roots[K]. The flowers do not open in cool summers and viable seed is seldom produced. Often grown in the herb garden, tarragon is also sometimes grown commercially for its edible leaves which are used mainly as a flavouring. There is at least one named variety, 'Epicure' is a new fragrant cultivar. There is a closely related species, A. dracunculoides or Russian tarragon, which is quite inferior in flavour, though sometimes supplied under this name. A good companion for most plants, especially aubergines and sweet peppers. Members of this genus are rarely if ever troubled by browsing deer. The plant is heat tolerant in zones 7 through 1. (Plant Hardiness Zones show how well plants withstand cold winter temperatures. Plant Heat Zones show when plants would start suffering from the heat. The Plant Heat Zone map is based on the number of "heat days" experienced in a given area where the temperature climbs to over 86 degrees F (30°C). At this temperature, many plants begin to suffer physiological damage. Heat Zones range from 1 (no heat days) to 12 (210 or more heat days). For example Heat Zone. 11-1 indicates that the plant is heat tolerant in zones 11 through 1.) For polyculture design as well as the above-ground architecture (form - tree, shrub etc. and size shown above) information on the habit and root pattern is also useful and given here if available. The plant growth habit is a clumper with limited spread [1-2]. The root pattern is rhizomatous with underground stems sending roots and shoots along their length [1-2]. The aerial parts can be harvested in summer when they are in full bloom, while roots can be harvested in autumn. Artemisia typically flowers in summer. Artemisia species can vary in growth rate, but many are moderately fast-growing, reaching maturity within 1-2 years under optimal conditions.

Edible Parts: Leaves Shoots Edible Uses: Condiment Leaves excellent as seasoning — aromatic, reminiscent of culinary French tarragon. Seeds edible, ground into a nutty, oily flour or porridge. Highly praised by Goshiute (“pahwats”) as staple food [2-3]. Leaves - raw or used as a flavouring in soups etc. Tarragon is a commonly used herbal flavouring that is used in many traditional recipes. It is particularly of value because of its beneficial effect upon the digestion and so is often used with oily foods. The leaves can also be harvested in late summer and dried for later use. The aromatic leaves have a very nice flavour that is somewhat liquorice-like[183, K]. They make an excellent flavouring in salads[K]. The young shoots can also be cooked and used as a potherb. The leaves are used as a flavouring in vinegar. An essential oil from the leaves is used as a flavouring.

Essential Repellent Agroforestry uses: Artemisia species are often used for soil improvement, as ground cover, and in companion planting due to their pest-repellent properties. Some species are also used for erosion control. The leaves contain about 0.3% essential oil, about 70% of which is methyl chivacol. This is used as a food flavouring, in detergents and also medicinally. Both the growing and the dried plant repels insects. Landscape Uses: Container, Seashore. Special Features: Edible, Fragrant foliage, Not North American native, Inconspicuous flowers or blooms. Provides shelter for beneficial invertebrates: insects and other arthropods. A specialist nectary plant [1-2]. 1. Nectary - Flowers rich in nectar and pollen: Yes – Artemisia species produce flowers that can provide nectar and pollen, attracting various pollinators, including bees. 2. Wildlife - Food (Fruit, Seeds, Leaf litter, Shelter, Nesting, Roosting): Yes – The leaves of some Artemisia species are consumed by various insects and herbivores. Additionally, the plant can provide cover for small wildlife. 3. Invertebrate Shelter (Overwintering sites, Leaf litter, Groundcover): Yes – The dense foliage can offer shelter and overwintering sites for beneficial insects, and the leaf litter can provide habitat for various invertebrates. 4. Pest Confuser (Smell): Yes – Many Artemisia species are aromatic and can confuse or repel pests due to their strong scent, which may deter some insects.

Heimisch: Afghanistan, Alaska, Alberta, Altay, Amur, Arizona, Asia-Temperate, Austria, Baltic States, Belarus, Belgium, British Columbia, Bulgaria, California, China, Chita, Colorado, Connecticut, Czech Republic, Europe, Gansu, Germany, Hebei, Heilongjiang, Hungary, Idaho, Illinois, India, Inner Mongolia, Iowa, Irkutsk, Japan, Jilin, Kansas, Karnataka, Kazakhstan, Khabarovsk, Kirgizistan, Liaoning, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Malesia, Manchuria, Massachusetts, Mexico, Mexico Northeast, Mongolia, Nei Mongol, New Jersey, New York, Ningxia, North Caucasus, Northern America, Pakistan, Qinghai, Shaanxi, Shanxi, Sikkim, South European Russia, Tadzhikistan, Transcaucasus, Ukraine, Uttar Pradesh, Vietnam, West Himalaya, Xinjiang Eingeführt: Alaska, Austria, Czech Republic, Czechoslovakia, Germany, Great Britain, Krym, Liechtenstein, New Zealand, Romania, Switzerland, Yugoslavia