Weed of the Week

October 17, 2007

Absinth Wormwood, Artemisia absinthium

R.A. Howard. ©Smithsonian Institution. Courtesy of Smithsonian Institution, Richard A. Howard Photograph Collection. Italy, Grand Paradiso. Usage Requirements. Any use of copyrighted images requires notification of the copyright holder.

Characteristics:

Family: Asteraceae

Origin: Europe, Asia and Africa

Description:

• Perennial forb
• Strong sage fragrance
• Dies back to ground every year

Stems:

• 3 feet at maturity, can attain heights of 5 feet
• erect multi-stemmed

Flowers:

• Small, inconspicuous yellow flowers
• Numerous flower heads
• Stalks at upper end of each leaf node

Leaves:

• Light to olive green
• 2-5 inches long
• Divided 2-3 times
• Deeply lobed leaflets
• Covered with fine silky hairs

Other Information:

Absinth wormwood is an escaped ornamental generally propagated for its sage flavor. This weed Grows in uncultivated arid and rocky areas, along footpaths and trails. The oil from the young flower heads is used to produce Absinth and Vermouth and is the active ingredient in antiseptic liniments. This weed can also taint milk production.

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