Leaf type: Pinnate, dissected, tomentose hairs
Phyllotaxis: Alternate
Colour: Green, silvery
Life cycle: Perennial
Leaf (upper side)
Habitus & biology
Artemisia absinthium grows as a perennial herbaceous plant or semi-shrub and can reach over one metre in height. In mild regions, the lower part of the shoots become woody and some leaves appear even in winter.
Leaves and flowers are edible, they contain many bitter substances and can be used in small quantities as a spice.
The leaves are covered with felt-like hairs, which gives the wormwood plant a “silvery appearance”.
Distribution & habitates
The original distribution area is in Europe, North Africa, North Asia and West Asia. As an introduced species, Artemisia absinthium can also be found in Australia and on the American continents (source).
Wormwood thrives best in warm locations and inhabits embankments, roadsides, pastures and nutrient-poor meadows.
Botany
Artemisia absinthium is a member of the daisy family (Asteraceae). Common names are wormwood, common wormwood, absinthe wormwood or absinthe.
