Common wormwood - Artemisia absinthium (Care, Characteristics, Symbolism, Images, Toxic)

Common wormwood

Also known as: Absinthe, Grand wormwood

Common wormwood (Artemisia absinthium) was the main ingredient in absinthe, a distilled, highly alcoholic beverage, BUT it's technically toxic. It can cause nervous disorders such as headaches, hallucinations, insomnia, convulsions, etc. and is therefore illegal in many countries. Common wormwood may grow like a weed on unmanaged areas, with silvery foliage and small yellow flowers in late summer.

Scientific classification

Species

Common wormwood (Artemisia absinthium)

Asters bellflowers fanflowers and allies

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Toxic to Humans

Toxicity

Weeds

Weed or not

Perennial

Lifespan

Herb

Plant Type

Summer, Fall

Bloom Time

Late spring, Late summer, Early fall, Mid fall

Harvest Time

Yellow

Flower Color

Silver, Gray, Green

Stem Color

Winter dormancy

Dormancy

Deciduous

Leaf type

5 - 35 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Summer, Fall

Growth Season

Images of Common wormwood

Distribution of Common wormwood

Distribution Map

Common wormwood is native to the temperate regions of Eurasia and has a notable presence across the continent's grasslands and rocky sites. It has been introduced and become established in disparate areas including parts of South America, Central America, Southeast Asia, East Africa, and the Pacific. Common wormwood is also cultivated beyond its native range.

Native

Cultivated

Invasive

Introduced

No species reported

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Habitat

Wasteland, rocks, screes

Hemisphere Trend Curve

Northern

Sorthern

Culture

Garden Use

Common wormwood is a plant that does well in gardens with poor, dry soil. Its fine silver foliage creates texture in every garden. It is ideal for use in a rock or herb garden and can also be pruned into a border plant. The herb makes a good backdrop for showy plants and also works well will rosemary, onions, and sage.

Symbolism

Doom and judgment

Name Story

Common wormwood: The word "wormwood" comes from Middle English wormwode or wermode. According to the Webster's Third New International Dictionary, it attributes the etymology to Old English wermōd in which the OED marks it as "of obscure origin". Since it is the most common species in its genus, it is called common wormwood.

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Toxicity

Common wormwood is toxic to humans, cats, and dogs when ingested. All parts of the plant cause severe illness, including neurological symptoms. Immediate veterinary or medical care is crucial for affected animals or individuals. Symptoms in humans include delirium and convulsions; in pets, symptoms range from gastrointestinal to neurological issues.

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Weed Control

Common wormwood is a noxious weed in the northern United States and Canada, as well as Eurasia and northern Africa. It grows in pastures and ranges, and along roadsides. Gardeners sometimes select it for its silver-gray foliage, but once planted, it is very difficult to remove. It is on the invasive species list in Washington, Oregon, Colorado, North Dakota, and Wisconsin. The plant is poisonous to humans. It taints cattle's milk and contaminates grain. It can also chemically inhibit the growth of other plants. To remove individual plants, hand pull or dig up the roots when the soil is moist, otherwise apply herbicides.

How to Control It

The best season to remove or control common wormwood is in the early spring before it flowers and sets seeds. Control should be initiated before the plant reaches the flowering stage to prevent it from spreading.

Hand-pulling: Make sure to wear gloves and firmly grasp the base of common wormwood, then pull straight up to remove the entire root system. This is best done when the soil is moist to ensure complete removal.
Mulching: Apply a thick layer of organic mulch around desired plants to suppress the growth of common wormwood by blocking sunlight. Use materials such as straw, wood chips, or leaf mold.
Regular mowing: If common wormwood is in a lawn area, keeping the grass cut regularly can weaken and suppress its growth over time.
Herb barrier: Plant competitive species such as tall perennials around common wormwood to dominate the space and limit its ability to spread.
Boiling water: Carefully pour boiling water over the foliage and stems of common wormwood to scald and kill the plant without the use of chemicals.

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Quickly Identify Common wormwood

Feathery silvery-gray foliage distinguishes common wormwood with a soft texture.

Tiny yellowish-green flowers in spherical clusters provide subtle contrast.

Distinct grey-green stem may be smooth or slightly hairy.

Leaves are ovate, finely divided, with silvery hairs emitting sage-like scent.

Fruit is a small, narrow cylindrical cypsela in muted brown tones.

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Care Guide for Common wormwood

Every week

Water

Full sun

Sunlight

5 - 35 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Garden Soil

Soil Type

Water: Common wormwood thrives in moderate moisture and well-drained soil, flourishing in outdoor settings that mimic its temperate origin. It requires weekly watering, particularly benefiting from natural rainfall. Effective rainwater capture during the growing season is crucial for its health and growth cycle.

Fertilize: Common wormwood thrives with balanced fertilization, using a 10-10-10 NPK formula biannually in spring and early fall. Over-fertilization should be avoided; moderate soil is preferred. Apply evenly around the base and water thoroughly, adjusting for growth stages to ensure optimal health.

Pruning: Common wormwood thrives with proper pruning, particularly in early to late spring. Key techniques involve removing dead stems and yearly maintenance to enhance density and shape. Pruning to new shoots promotes vigorous growth, reduces legginess, and boosts overall vigor.

Propagation: Common wormwood is valued for its aromatic and medicinal properties. Propagate using cuttings from healthy shoots in a well-draining substrate. Maintain humidity and consistent soil moisture until roots establish. Acclimatization is vital when transplanting into pots or garden beds.

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Images of Common wormwood

Distribution of Common wormwood

Culture

Toxicity

Weed Control

Quickly Identify Common wormwood

Care Guide for Common wormwood

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