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- Wormwood (Artemisia absinthium), 3 plants in 7 cm square pots)
Wormwood (Artemisia absinthium), 3 plants in 7 cm square pots)
Wormwood (Artemisia absinthium), commonly called absinthe or wormwood, is a perennial that is grown for its attractive silver-gray foliage that adds interesting texture and contrast to gardens. Its gray-green hairy stems rise to about two to three feet. The deeply-incised, pinnately-divided, silvery-green leaves are also covered with silky-white hairs.
The foliage is highly aromatic when bruised. The leaves and stem contain a complex concoction of potentially interesting chemicals which have resulted in this and other members of the genus being used as a cure for just about everything in different parts of the world over the years. In Britain it has long been grown in gardens for its aromatic and supposed medical properties.
An extract of the leaves and flowers has been used as a component of the alcoholic drink absinthe. Its bitter flavour which balances that of the other ingredients makes it an essential component of Vermouth.
It is found throughout Europe but it is not known for certain if it is native to Britain or introduced, but has been here for over 800 years.
Genus is named for Artemis, Greek goddess of the moon, wild animals and hunting.
Habitat
A good choice for dry areas.
Value to Wildlife
It has been used as a moth repellent, and many of its chemicals seem to put off invertebrates and other wildlife, but as it has been here for over 800 years one might expect some of our native fauna to have developed a taste for it. If you find caterpillars or other insects feeding from your plants please send a photo..
Your Purchase
You are buying a set of three well rooted plants of Wormword, which we have grown from seed, in 7 cm square pots. It should be well-watered initially but will tolerate quite a bit of dryness in a warm summer.
Ladyburn Plant Nursery has been registered, by the Scottish Government, as a Professional Operator who is authorised to issue plant passports. (These are now required for internet sales of all plants including native plants sold within the UK, not just those for those shipped abroad, as previously). Registration Number GB-S 03473.
Please note that our plants are sold purely for their biodiversity, educational and aesthetic value and should not be consumed unless you are absolutely certain of their safety.
Please note also that our nursery is located at Cupar, our St Andrews address being for correspondence only.