Qing Hao (Artemisia annua)

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

Artemisia annua is a ANNUAL growing to 3 m (9ft) by 1 m (3ft 3in) at a fast rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 7. It is in flower from August to September, and the seeds ripen from September to October. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects. Suitable for: light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils, prefers well-drained soil and can grow in nutritionally poor soil.

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Leaves

Harvest Seasons: Early Summer, Spring

Flavor & Culinary Uses

flavouring in spirits such as vermouth. — An essential oil in the leaves is used as a flavouring in spirits such as vermouth.

Habitat & North American Range

Occurs naturally as part of a steppe vegetation in the northern parts of Chahar and Suiyuan provinces in China, at 1000 to 1500 m above sea level. (Zone 6, Zone 7, Zone 8, Zone 9)