No images found for this plant ID: 3683.
Ensure images are uploaded to the Media Library and tagged with "3683" in the "plant_image_tag" taxonomy.
common wormwood
Scientific Name: Artemisia vulgaris var. kamtschatica
Family: Asteraceae
Category: Dicot
Growth: Subshrub, Forb/herb
Duration: Perennial
Other Names:
Wormwood (Artemisia absinthium)
Artemisia absinthium, commonly known as wormwood, is a plant with a rich history and a variety of uses. It is often referred to by several other names, including absinthe wormwood, common wormwood, green ginger, and grand wormwood.
Considerations for Pets
- The plant has a bitter taste.
Considerations for Children
- The plant has a bitter taste.
Nomenclature and Taxonomy
- Scientific Name: Artemisia absinthium
- Family: Asteraceae or Compositae (implied from the mention of Artemisia vulgaris belonging to this family)
Common Names
- Wormwood
- Absinthe Wormwood
- Common Wormwood
- Green Ginger
- Grand Wormwood
- Absinthium
- Armoise
- Wermut
- Absinthe
- Absinthites
- Ajenjo
- Pelin otu
- Aci Pelin
- Ak Pelin
- Buyuk Pelin
- Vilayati afsanteen
- Madderwort
- Sagewort
- Old Woman Wormwood
Distribution and Habitat
- Native to Eurasia and North Africa.
- Commonly found in dry, open waste areas, overgrazed rangelands, along roads, and in pastures.
- Also reported in Alaska.
- A related species, Artemisia afra, is common in South Africa.
Morphological Characteristics
- A perennial herb or shrubby plant.
- Grows up to 7 feet tall.
- Has an erect stem that often has a red-purplish tinge.
- Leaves are leafy and the flowering stem is 2 to 2 1/2 feet in length, whitish in color, and covered with fine silky hairs.
Historical and Traditional Uses
- Historically held in high reputation as a medicine.
- Leaves have been used in medicines and beverages such as absinthe and vermouth.
- Used today as a bitter tonic and in natural pest control.
- Historically, its bitterness has symbolized human rancor.
Ecological Role
- Reported as invasive in Oregon (OR).
Interactions with Other Organisms
- Used in natural pest control.
- Historically used to combat parasites and worms.
Related Species
- Artemisia vulgaris (mugwort or common wormwood) is another species in the same genus.
- Artemisia afra is a common species in South Africa.
Resources
- WebMD offers patient medical information on Wormwood.
- Shutterstock offers stock photos and illustrations of common wormwood.