Mexican Tarragon

Mexican Tarragon is an herb native to Mexico and Central America. Though not a true tarragon, it is often used as a substitute for French tarragon in cooking. The leaves have a flavor similar to tarragon, with hints of anise and licorice. In Mexico and Central America, the plant is also brewed as a medicinal tea.

This herb goes by several names, including Sweet Mace, Winter Tarragon, Texas Tarragon, and Cloud Plant. It is part of the marigold family, not the tarragon family. Mexican Tarragon is an excellent companion plant, helping to repel aphids, whiteflies, cabbage maggots, corn earworms, Mexican bean beetles, rabbits, nematodes, and plum curculio.

The plants bloom throughout summer, attracting pollinators, and are easy to grow in home gardens. They handle heat and drought well without losing their flavor or turning bitter.