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Wild Tarragon

Artemisia dracunculus

perennial herb View on Calscape

Care

Sun

full sun

Water

low

Soil

Medium; Tolerates a variety of soils.

Size

4–5ft tall , 5–5ft wide

Bloom

Jun-Nov

Foliage

Deciduous

Deer

Resistant

Container

Friendly

Fragrant

Yes

Edible

Leaves used as culinary herb; aromatic seasoning like tarragon

Keystone Plant

Supports up to 64 butterfly and moth species in Mediterranean California

Native Range

Coastal sage scrub and grasslands from Santa Barbara County to San Diego County, below 2000 ft elevation, extending to Baja California.

Care Guide

Planting

Plant wild tarragon in full sun with well-draining soil - it tolerates a variety of soil types, so don't overthink amendments. Space plants to account for their mature height of 4–5 feet and branching habit. Fall or early spring planting works best in the Bay Area; avoid planting during summer heat stress.

After Planting

Water weekly during your first summer to establish a strong root system, then taper to once monthly or less once established - this is a low-water plant that actually prefers dry conditions. Prune as needed during the growing season to manage its leggy, weedy appearance and encourage bushier growth. Expect the plant to die back in winter (it's deciduous), which is normal; it will return in spring and bloom from June through November. The biggest mistake is overwatering; this plant thrives on neglect, so err on the dry side once it's in the ground.

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