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absinthium
Scientific Name: Artemisia absinthium
Family: Asteraceae
Category: Dicot
Growth: Subshrub, Forb/herb
Duration: Perennial
Other Names:
Wormwood (Artemisia absinthium)
Wormwood, scientifically known as Artemisia absinthium, is a perennial herb with a rich history and diverse uses. It's also known by several common names, including absinthe wormwood, common wormwood, green ginger, and grand wormwood.
Considerations for Pets
- Artemisia absinthium is an aromatic plant, which may be appealing to some animals.
Considerations for Children
- The plant has a history of medicinal uses, and children may be tempted to experiment with it.
Taxonomy and Nomenclature
- Scientific Name: Artemisia absinthium
- Family: Asteraceae/Compositae (N.O. Compositae)
- Synonyms: Absinthium artemisia
- The name Artemisia honors Artemisia, sister and wife of King Mausolus.
- The name absinthium comes from the Latin "absinthium," which derives from the Ancient Greek "ἀψίνθιον" (apsnthion) and "ἀσπίνθιον" (aspnthion).
Distribution and Habitat
- Native to an unspecified location.
- Found in Europe, Siberia, Barbary, Newfoundland, and the United States.
Ecological Role
- Described as an invasive species.
Morphological Characteristics
- Silvery-green perennial herb growing up to 1.5 meters (approximately 5 feet) tall.
- Woody perennial growing to 1 meter (3ft 3in) by 0.6 meter (2ft) at a medium rate.
- Woody perennial with finely cut, silvery-gray, aromatic foliage.
- Small yellow flowers with little ornamental value.
- Suffruticose perennial with many branching stems.
Traditional Uses and Properties
- Historically used medicinally, dating back to at least Roman times.
- Known as a digestive tonic and vermicide.
- Historically cultivated for medicine and flavoring.
- Contains the volatile oil thujone.
- Antimicrobial properties against yeasts like Candida albicans.
Quirky Facts
- Wormwood is best known as the primary ingredient in absinthe, a distilled alcoholic beverage.
- It has been used as a cure or prophylactic for worms.
Cultivation
- Best grown in poor to moderately fertile, dry to medium moisture, well-drained soils in full sun.
- Excellent soil drainage is essential.
- Hardy to zone (UK) 4 and is not frost tender.
Further Resources
- RHS (Royal Horticultural Society): Provides help and information on Artemisia absinthium.
- WSSA WeedList: Contains selected information for Artemisia absinthium.