Russian Tarragon
Artemisia dracunculus
Last reviewed: June 2026
Russian Tarragon is toxic to dogs and cats.
Listed as toxic by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (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.
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.
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.