Identifying Tagetes Species: Beyond Tagetes lucida

Exploring Tagetes Varieties

A gardener posted an image thought to be Tagetes lucida (Texas tarragon) but was told it's a different species. The plant has bright yellow flowers on long pedicels, simple leaves, and an anise flavor.

Known Tagetes Species

The expert lists several species they have grown:

• Tagetes lucida – Texas tarragon, winter tarragon, Mexican mint marigold; a French tarragon substitute with stronger flavor.
• Tagetes minuta – Peruvian marigold, black Peruvian mint; used for delicious pesto; seeds hard to find.
• Tagetes filifolia
• Tagetes erecta

There are many more Tagetes species, but these are the most familiar to the expert.