Wormwood - Artemisia absinthium​  - €7per plant 

Artemisia absinthium, commonly called absinthe or wormwood, is a woody-based perennial that is grown for its attractive silvery foliage that adds interesting texture and contrast to gardens.  It is widely known for its use in the famous anise-flavoured spirit Absinthe.  It has an extensive history of use in herbal medicine, although caution should be exercised as there as known hazards.  It's an excellent selection for areas with poor dry soils.   To order this plant please contact us [email protected].  

Context

  • native region: Europe and Asia
  • native habitat: Rocky terrain, wasteland
  • family: Asteraceae

Predators

  • None known or experienced 

Needs, tolerances 

  • Light: Semi shade, full sun
  • soil pH:  Acid, neutral -basic alkaline 
  • USDA Hardiness Zone: 4a - 8b
  • Prefers well drained soil and can grow in nutritionally poor soil.
  • Can tolerate drought
  • Plants may be sheared to revitalize in the summer

Known hazards 

  • The plant is poisonous if used in large quantities.  Even small quantities have been known to cause undesirable effects.
  • Contraindicated in expectant mothers and those with a history of seizures.

Overview

  • 20 - 30 cm  tall plant 
  • Perennial growing to 1m - 0.6m​
  • It is in flower from July to August.
  • The flowers are hermaphrodite (have both male and female organs) and are pollinated by wind. 
  • It is noted for attracting wildlife. 
  • Suitable for: light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils and prefers well-drained soil. 
  • Suitable pH: acid, neutral and basic (alkaline) soils and can grow in very alkaline soils
  • It cannot grow in the shade. 
  • It prefers well drained soil and can tolerate drought. ​

Characteristics

  • form:Perennial 
  • layer : Herb Layer
  • habit:  multi stemmed herbaceous perennial
  • height x width (m): 1 x 0.6​

Products 

  • Leaf: Silvery-green leaves covered with silky-white hairs. Foliage is highly aromatic when bruised and provides excellent contrast to flowering plants and green foliage.
  • Flowers: Small, yellow-ish grey.
  • Medicinal: Wormwood has a long history of use as a medicinal herb. It is valued especially for its tonic effect on the liver, gallbladder and digestive system, and, as its name suggests, for its vermicidal activity. Caution should be exercised due to known hazards.   .

Functions, behaviours

  • Deadhead flowers to prevent any unwanted self-seeding.
  • The fresh or dried shoots are said to repel insects and mice, and an infusion of the plant is said to discourage slugs and insects
  • Wormwood is said to be a good companion for carrots helping to protect them from root fly
If you would like this plant please send an email to [email protected] with your order. 
Balkan Ecology Project