Russian Tarragon
Artemisia dracunculus
Last reviewed: June 2026
Artemisia dracunculus (Russian Tarragon) is a native forb found across 24 US states from California to New York. This drought-tolerant plant blooms June through August with small yellow-green flowers that attract bees and beetles.
Russian Tarragon is toxic to dogs and cats.
Listed as toxic by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (opens in new tab) (last reviewed 2026-05-21). If your pet has been exposed, call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435and your veterinarian's emergency line.
Pollinator Patch flags toxic plants so you can choose a pet-safe native alternative for your yard.
Light
full sun
Water
low
Size
24"–48" H × 12"–24" W
Bloom
Jun, Jul, Aug
Native to
AZ, CA, CO, IA and 20 more states
Pollinators
bees, beetles
Browse plants for this ecoregion
Russian tarragon is a hardy perennial herb with narrow, silvery-green leaves and an upright, bushy growth habit. It produces small, inconspicuous greenish flowers in summer and tolerates drought well once established. The foliage has a mild anise-like fragrance when crushed.
Growing Russian Tarragon
Grow Russian Tarragon in full sun and low water. Mature plants reach 24 to 48 inches tall and spread 12 to 24 inches wide. Expect low maintenance to keep it looking intentional in a front yard.
In an HOA neighborhood
Russian Tarragon takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: low. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.
Works well in: backyard only.
- Can appear weedy and unkempt
- Tends to spread and may look uncontrolled
- Inconspicuous flowers don't provide ornamental appeal
Wildlife value
This plant attracts bees and beetles during its summer blooming period. The small flowers provide nectar for pollinators, though it's not considered a major wildlife magnet.
Common questions
- Where does Russian Tarragon naturally grow in North America?
- Russian Tarragon is native to 24 US states spanning from the western states like California, Nevada, and Washington, through the Great Plains including Kansas, Nebraska, and the Dakotas, to parts of the Midwest and Northeast including Illinois, Wisconsin, and New York.
- When does Russian Tarragon bloom and what pollinators visit it?
- Russian Tarragon blooms from June through August, producing small flowers that attract bees and beetles as primary pollinators.
- What growing conditions does Russian Tarragon prefer?
- Russian Tarragon thrives in full sun to partial sun conditions and is very drought tolerant, requiring low to moderate water once established. It grows as a herbaceous perennial forb.
- Is Russian Tarragon toxic to dogs?
- Yes. Russian Tarragon is listed as toxic to dogs by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (aspca.org). If your pet has been exposed, call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435.
- Is Russian Tarragon toxic to cats?
- Yes. Russian Tarragon is listed as toxic to cats by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (aspca.org). If your cat has been exposed, call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435.
- Is Russian Tarragon HOA-friendly?
- Russian Tarragon takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.
Native range data from the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.
Pollinator Patch flags toxic plants like Russian Tarragon and shows pet-safe natives for your ecoregion instead.
Not sure where to start? Take the 2-minute yard quiz