CANFIELD — The first time I saw Mexican tarragon I was intrigued by its unique fragrance. I decided to purchase it and add it to my herb garden. Let me tell you, I was not disappointed.

So, what is Mexican tarragon?

Authentically known as Tagetes Lucida, it’s a vibrant herb that is closely related to the marigold family and has been cherished for centuries. An aromatic herb with slender, lance-shaped leaves and bright green foliage, the plant produces small, golden-yellow flowers, adding a touch of beauty to any garden.

Known for its anise-like flavor, Mexican tarragon adds a one-of-a-kind aromatic flavor to dishes. Mexican tarragon, also known as winter tarragon, sweet mace, and Mexican mint marigold, has quite an intriguing past.

It was used in quite interesting ways in the past. In Mexico, native people used it as incense, medication, a way to subdue captives, and a hallucinogenic in religious ceremonies. The Aztecs used the powder of the dried leaves to blow in the faces of prisoners to dull their senses before they were burned “in the great furnace.”

It was used medicinally to treat victims of lightning strikes and as a poultice to assist people in crossing water safely. It has been used medicinally in more recent times, but using this plant for specific medical uses is not recommended without contacting your health care professional. This plant has a low poison severity but can cause contact dermatitis. Maybe this is why the Aztecs used it.

As a home gardener, there are many ways to use this herb. But, you need to be cautious. If eaten in large quantities — it can be harmful.

Yard decor: Enjoy the plant! It gets quite large — up to 3 feet — and has a bright, dark yellow color.

Seasoning: As a popular culinary herb use it to season soups, stews, and sauces or enhance the flavor of poultry, fish, and vegetables. The herb is popular in Mexican and Southwestern cuisine.

Herbal tea: Use the leaves to brew a cup of tea.

Garnish: The flowers are sometimes used to garnish salads. Bartenders use it as a garnish for cocktails providing a refreshing twist to beverages.

Mexican tarragon is an annual herb that prefers well-drained, fertile soil and full sun. The plant will tolerate humidity and drought conditions but give it some water if the top inch or two has dried out.

It grows well in containers and herb or vegetable gardens. It’s also pest- and deer-resistant.

To harvest the herb, snip the stems as needed. Plants will branch wherever you cut them, resulting in more abundant and bushier growth. You can dry the leaves to preserve them.

For more information on Mexican tarragon, go to https://go.osu.edu/mexicantarragon

Kostelic is an Ohio State University Extension Master Gardener Volunteer in Mahoning County.