1. An aromatic Eurasian herb (Artemisia dracunculus) having linear to lance-shaped leaves and small, whitish-green flower heads arranged in loose, spreading panicles.
The plant was introduced to Europe in the late
Middle Ages and to Britain around 1548 although no-one knows exactly when the aromatic varieties were first bred. The name Tarragon is a corruption of
the French Esdragon, derived from the Latin Dracunculus (a little dragon) a name which was given to the plant due to its root system which coils like a dragon. It is often used in salads or to flavor various dishes.
2. The leaves of this plant used as a seasoning.