Mexican mint marigold

Tagetes lucida, a member of the Asteraceae family, is a perennial herb native to Mexico and Central America. It is cultivated for its aromatic leaves, which have a tarragon-like scent with anise notes. The plant is used in both medicinal and culinary applications. It has been introduced to nursery trade in North America as a tarragon substitute. The species is found in regions such as the conterminous 48 United States, Mexico, and parts of Central America. It is known by multiple common names, including Mexican mint marigold, sweetscented marigold, Mexican marigold, Mexican tarragon, sweet mace, Texas tarragon, pericón, yerbaniz, and hierbanís. First described by Cav. in 1796, it is a widely recognized plant in its native range and beyond.