Also known as Absinth Sagewort · Absinth Wormwood · Absinthe
Safety note: This plant may be toxic to humans and pets. See toxicity details.
Artemisia absinthium, Common Wormwood, is a perennial herb with aromatic, silvery-green foliage and bitter taste. It is used in traditional medicine and as an ornamental,
At-a-glance light, water, soil, and growing conditions from plant data
Requires full sun for best growth and foliage color.
100% intensity
At least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily.
Drought tolerant once established; water moderately.
50% intensity
Allow soil to dry between waterings.
Well-drained, poor to moderately fertile, sandy or rocky.
50% intensity
Prefers cool to warm temperate climates; very hardy.
60% intensity
Tolerates a wide range from -20°C to 30°C.
Outdoor
50% intensity
Generally not needed; thrives in poor soils.
20% intensity
Apply lightly only if growth is very weak.
Safety information from plant toxicity data
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Toxic for humans | Yes 5/5 intensity |
| Toxic for pets | Yes 5/5 intensity |
| Edible | No |
Contains thujone, which can be toxic if ingested in large quantities, causing neurological symptoms.
Key traits and growing stats from plant data
Watering, pruning, propagation, and repotting details from plant data
Common Wormwood is drought tolerant once established. Water regularly during dry spells, especially in its first year, allowing the soil to dry out completely between waterings.
Avoid overwatering, which can lead to root rot. Reduce watering significantly in winter.
Pruning Common Wormwood is essential for maintaining its shape, promoting bushier growth, and preventing excessive self-seeding.
In early spring, before new growth begins, cut back the entire plant by about one-third to one-half, removing any dead, damaged, or leggy stems.
Throughout the growing season, deadhead spent flower stalks to encourage a tidy appearance and reduce unwanted spread. This keeps the plant vigorous and attractive.
Common Wormwood can be easily propagated by seed sown in spring after the last frost. It can also be propagated by softwood cuttings taken in early summer, or by root division of established plants in spring or autumn.
Cuttings root readily in moist soil.
Common Wormwood is not typically grown in pots long-term due to its size and spreading habit. If cultivated in a container, repot every 1-2 years in early spring into a slightly larger pot with fresh, well-draining potting mix to refresh nutrients and prevent root bound conditions.
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Monthly activity intensity for bloom and fruit across both hemispheres.
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Photos of Absinthe Wormwood (Artemisia absinthium)
Common names and botanical synonyms
Botanical classification
| Rank | Name |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Division | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Asterales |
| Family | Asteraceae |
| Genus | Artemisia |
| Species | Artemisia absinthium |
Similar in genus Artemisia
Answers based on plant encyclopedia data
