The Mexican mint marigold, the newest Texas Superstar plant, is a hardy, easy-to-grow herb and popular herbaceous ornamental perennial.
A multipurpose plant, the Mexican mint marigold is a beautiful, late-season ornamental, its blooms attract pollinators and its leaves can be used as a culinary herb. (Michael Arnold/ Texas A&M AgriLife) Its licorice-scented foliage and bright yellow or orange-yellow flowers attract pollinators to your landscape in late summer and autumn, said Michael Arnold, Ph.D., professor in the Texas A&M Department of Horticultural Sciences, director of The Gardens at Texas A&M University and Texas Superstar executive board member.
Mexican mint marigold, Tagetes lucida, also known as anise marigold, Mexican tarragon, Spanish tarragon or sweet mace, was originally popular as a kitchen herb to season fish, chicken or tossed salads. Native to Central America, the plant is an excellent addition to herb, kitchen, cottage or scent gardens, Arnold said.
