French tarragon

Artemisia dracunculus L.

Herb
Perennial

Pet & Human Safety

People: Toxic to people (low severity)Pets: Toxic to pets

Human edibility

Edible

Edible parts

leaves

Hazardous parts

bark, flowers, fruits, roots, seeds, stems

Preparation

Our sources do not say.

Hazard type

essential-oil constituents (low severity), contact dermatitis

Hazard route

skin (the essential oils can irritate the skin on contact). NC State sets no human amount threshold for eating.

How complete this information is

The safety information on this page is partial. Where a source covers a point, it is shown; where none does, the page says so.

Toxic to pets

Dogs: toxic. Cats: toxic. Horses: toxic. ASPCA names essential oils as the toxic principle and mild vomiting and diarrhea as signs. NC State says it is poisonous to dogs, cats and horses if eaten in sufficient quantity, listing signs from vomiting, drooling and diarrhea up to incoordination, dilated pupils, low blood pressure and coma, and rates the plant's human toxicity as low. The two sources agree on the verdict but differ in how serious they make it sound (ASPCA: mild signs; NC State: severe signs possible).

Look-alike warning

Could be mistaken for Other plants with a similar name or look. To tell them apart: Match on the scientific name, Artemisia dracunculus L., not on the common name.. NC State treats 'Sativa' (French tarragon) and wild tarragon as the same species with different flavor; no more dangerous plant sharing the name 'tarragon' was read. Wormwood-type common names (Pinon Wormwood, Silky Wormwood) appear on NC State for this species.

Poison control

If someone has collapsed, cannot be woken, is having a seizure or has trouble breathing, call 911 now. For any other possible poisoning, call Poison Help: 1-800-222-1222.

Emergency number source: U.S. federal law (47 U.S.C. § 251(e)(3)), read 2026-10-07.

Naturalist Lore

Historical Background & Breeding Lore

The history of this plant and its name, and how it was bred, where we have them.

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Care

Hardiness zones: USDA hardiness zones 3a to 8b (NC State, US system). This range does not reach Florida zones 9b/10a; suitability there is not confirmed.
Water needs: low
Mature size: 1-3 ft tall, 1-1.5 ft wide (NC State). Texas A&M E-561 (Texas) says about 24 in tall for French tarragon.
Family: Asteraceae (sunflower family)

Soil & Drainage

Pruning & Flush Rhythm

Feeding Schedule

How to prepare the soil, when and what to feed, and how and when to prune where that applies.

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