SafePlants

Sea Wormwood (Artemisia maritima)

Sea wormwood, also known as old woman, is a fascinating plant with a rich history and a distinctive aroma. Let's explore its characteristics, distribution, and uses.

Considerations for Pets

• Sea Wormwood is described as somewhat woody.
• The plant emits a strong lavender-like odor.

Considerations for Children

• Sea Wormwood is described as somewhat woody.
• The plant emits a strong lavender-like odor.

Common and Scientific Names

• Scientific Name: Artemisia maritima
• Common Names: Sea wormwood, Old Woman

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Family: Asteraceae (also known as Compositae)
• Synonym: Seriphidium maritimum (L.) Sojk.

Distribution and Habitat

• Native to coastal regions of Europe, including France and the United Kingdom.
• Found in salt marshes, on coastal shingle, sea-cliffs, waste ground, and walls close to the sea, and by brackish dykes.
• Common on islands, forming dominant or sub-dominant populations in some areas.
• Also found in North Africa and around the Black Sea.

Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits

• An aromatic, somewhat woody, Eurasian perennial herb.
• Has woolly leaves.
• Described as a silvery, aromatic, perennial, shrubby plant.
• Features leafy panicles of small egg-shaped flowers that bloom from August to October.

Traditional Uses

• Used to make a traditional schnapps in Denmark with a "pleasant bitter, aromatic, and characteristic taste".
• The Levant Wormseed, derived from a variety of Sea Wormwood, was imported into Britain.

Quirky Facts

• Sea Wormwood is known for emitting a strong lavender-like odor, even when dried.
• Sea Wormwood schnapps is a very old, traditional, and popular schnapps in Denmark.

Further Information

• More information can be found on the RHS (Royal Horticultural Society) website.
• Images and other resources are available on Wikimedia Commons.