French Tarragon (Artemisia dracunculus sativa)
French Tarragon (Artemisia dracunculus sativa), Hardy perennial herbDescription: Grown for edible, aromatic foliage Habit: Forms a clump to 2 feet tall and with a similar width. Culture: Prefers full sun and well-drained, moderately rich soil Hardiness: Cold hardy to USDA Zone 6 Origin: Europe, Asia Attributes: Drought tolerant, Deer resistant Jefferson-documented French Tarragon was Thomas Jefferson's favorite herb. He made several inquiries to locate it in 1806, and was sent a shipment of roots by Philadelphia nurseryman Bernard McMahon on April 30th of that year. The species Artemisia dracunculus was in American gardens before the Revolution. While this may have been the inferior Russian Tarragon, which has no culinary use, the type sold here is the selected, sterile clone so essential in French cuisine. It is used in Bearnaise sauce, vinegars, and in fish and chicken dishes. Like other wormwoods, French Tarragon has a stimulating effect on the whole digestive system.French Tarragon (Artemisia dracunculus sativa) arrives in a 2.5" pot.