Artemisia dracunculus
Tarragon, Tarragon
Photo by Chez Brungraber
Family: Asteraceae · Type: Subshrub · Native
Artemisia dracunculus (Tarragon) is a native California subshrub in the Asteraceae family, recognized by bright green color and linear leaves distinguish from gray-leaved species.
Tarragon is a California native perennial herb found in various regions of California except the northern coastal areas, growing in many habitats particularly disturbed sites at elevations up to 3,400 meters. Flowering from August to October, this plant produces small nodding flower heads 2 to 3.5 millimeters in diameter with light brown, membranous phyllaries. Growing with multiple stiff, erect brown stems 50 to 150 centimeters tall from a woody base, it develops from a woody caudex. Its leaves are bright green, linear, 1 to 7 centimeters long, with entire margins or occasionally few linear lobes. When crushed or handled, the plant releases a distinctive tarragon-like scent.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: 26 sympatric species; bright green color and linear leaves distinguish from gray-leaved species
Habitat and range
Habitat: Common. Many habitats, especially disturbed sites
Elevation: < 3400 m
Outside California: to Alaska, northern Canada, north-central United States, northern Mexico, Eurasia
Bloom period
Artemisia dracunculus blooms Generally Aug-Oct.
How to tell it apart
vs Salvia: Artemisia has tiny clustered flower heads in the sunflower family; Salvia has two-lipped tubular flowers in the mint family with square stems.; vs Ambrosia: Artemisia has fused anthers and typically silvery foliage; Ambrosia has free anthers and often deeply lobed green leaves.; vs Ericameria: Artemisia is aromatic with inconspicuous greenish heads lacking rays; Ericameria has bright yellow daisy-like heads with showy ray petals.; vs Pseudognaphalium: Artemisia has no seed bristles and woody stems; Pseudognaphalium has fluffy white pappus bristles and soft herbaceous stems.; vs Eschscholzia: Artemisia has tiny greenish clustered flower heads; Eschscholzia has large showy orange or yellow poppy flowers with 4 petals.
Frequently asked questions
Is Artemisia dracunculus native to California?
Yes. Artemisia dracunculus is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Artemisia dracunculus bloom?
Artemisia dracunculus blooms Generally Aug-Oct.
What plant family does Artemisia dracunculus belong to?
Artemisia dracunculus is in the Asteraceae family, genus Artemisia.
What habitat does Artemisia dracunculus grow in?
Artemisia dracunculus grows in Common. Many habitats, especially disturbed sites.
Related species
Other California species in the same genus, family, or bioregion.
Sources: Jepson eFlora · Index of California Plant Names · CalPhotos
Last updated 2026-10-07
Data from The California Species Project — 14,000+ California species with verified data from CNPS, CDFW, USFWS, Cal-IPC, and more.