tarragon

Bushy aromatic herb () of the aster family (Asteraceae), the dried leaves and flowering tops of which are used to add tang to many culinary dishes. Tarragon is a common ingredient in seasoning blends, such as fines herbes. The fresh leaves are used in salads, and vinegar in which fresh tarragon has been steeped is a distinctive condiment. The plant is probably native to Siberia; a French variety is cultivated in Europe and North America.

Find more information on tarragon. Upgrade to Britannica Online for more on tarragon.