Wormwood (Artemisia absinthium)

Family: Asteraceae or Compositae | Edibility: Edible (1/5)

Wormwood, a perennial ornamental plant used as an ingredient in the spirit absinthe, has a long history of use as a medicinal herb. It is valued especially for its tonic effect on the liver, gallbladder and digestive system, and for its vermicidal activity. The leaves can be used as a flavouring. The fresh or dried shoots are said to repel insects and mice. Bloom Color: Yellow. Main Bloom Time: Late summer. Form: Upright or erect.

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Leaves

Harvest Seasons: Early Summer, Spring

Flavor & Culinary Uses

flavouring. — Leaves are occasionally used as a flavouring.; Caution is advised, prolonged use is known to have a detrimental effect - see the notes above on toxicity.; Absinthe - a distilled, highly alcoholic drink usually produced in France, Switzerland, Australia, Spain, and the Czech Republic.

Habitat & North American Range

Waste land, rocks and screes. (Zone 4, Zone 5, Zone 6, Zone 7, Zone 8, Zone 9)