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Artemisia absinthium (Absinth, Wormwood)

Artemisia absinthium Photo/Illustration: Jennifer Benner

(Based on 1 user review)

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Hardiness Zones: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11
Botanical Name: Artemisia absinthium ar-tem-EE-zsah ab-SIN-thee-um Common Name: Absinth, Wormwood Genus: Artemisia
Artemisia absinthium is a woody perennial with finely cut, silvery-gray, aromatic foliage. Its small yellow flowers have little ornamental value. Wormwood is useful in beds, borders, and rock gardens, and it makes an excellent foil for bright colors and dark foliage. This plant needs excellent drainage.
 Noteworthy characteristics: Silver-gray, aromatic foliage. Has naturalized in some areas, including New England. All parts of the plant should be considered poisonous.
 Care: Needs excellent drainage and full sun to grow well. Soil may be poor to moderately fertile. Deadhead to control self-seeding. Cut to the base in autumn, or shear in spring.
 Propagation: Sow seed in a cold frame, or divide, in autumn or spring. Root greenwood cuttings or heel cuttings of side-shoots in early summer.
 Problems: White rust, downy and powdery mildews, rusts, and fungal leaf and stem diseases are common.
Height 1 ft. to 3 ft.
Spread 1 ft. to 3 ft.
Growth Habit Clumps
Growth Pace Invasive/Aggressive Grower;Moderate Grower
Light Full Sun Only
Moisture Dry to Medium
Maintenance Moderate
Characteristics Fragrant Foliage; Showy Foliage
Bloom Time Late Summer; Summer
Foliage Color Silver/Grey
Flower Color Yellow Flower
Uses Beds and Borders
Style Rock Garden
Seasonal Interest Summer Interest, Fall Interest
Type Perennials

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