Mexican Mint Marigold

Tagetes lucida Plant family: Asteraceae

Mint marigold is a beloved anise-scented plant that goes by many names. Some people refer to it as Mexican tarragon because it makes a nice culinary substitute for tarragon, which does not grow well in Central Texas. Many indigenous communities hold this plant sacred, honoring it by names that reflect their deep connection to it. The plant is called pericón in Mexican Spanish and Yauhtli in Nahuatl.

Mint Marigold in the Garden Ecosystem

Mint marigold is a lovely fall-blooming perennial herb to add to the Central Texas garden. It grows well in hot, dry conditions, has relatively low water needs, and adds a cheerful yellow color to the garden after the summertime blooms have gone away. It also attracts pollinators and tends to be deer resistant. We like planting it in clusters as a border plant and interplanting with annual herbs that have a different bloom time.

Working with Mint Marigold

Mint marigold is very aromatic and delicious in teas, infused waters, vinegars, honeys, and fruit salads. It is also known to be helpful for relieving nausea, gastrointestinal upset, and it has a host of other medicinal uses.

We'll update this post as we get to know this plant more. We encourage anyone interested in the cultural and ceremonial uses of mint marigold to learn directly from the communities and practitioners who have a deep relationship with it.