FoodFood InformationHerbs&Spice
WORMWOOD (Artemisia species)
There are several species of wormwood suitable for the herb garden, butthe most traditional representative is A. absinthium or common wormwoodwith its woody stems 2-4 feet tall. The finely divided leaves are silverygray and have a bitter taste and pungent aroma. Plants need a periodic pruningto maintain a good, compact shape. A. frigida, or fringed wormwood, growsabout 1-1/2
feet high and has white, finely cut leaves. Young plants are compact, butcut them back when they start to become rangy. Roman wormwood (A. pontica)is a 4 foot shrub with silver gray, feathery leaves and inconspicuous whitishyellow flowers.
Sagebrush (A. tridentata) is an evergreen shrub native to the Great Basinregion of the West. It grows between 1 1/2-15 feet high and has many branchingstems. The narrow green leaves have a hairy surface and are about 3/4 inchlong. They are very aromatic.
The best known use of common wormwood was in making absinthe in which itacted as a narcotic. It is one of the bitterest herbs and was used to curea number of diseases and to season cakes and beverages. It is now an importantingredient in Vermouth and liqueurs. There is a European folk belief thatif a traveler carries a sprig of its foliage with him he will not becometired. It has also been placed among clothing to repel moths. Sagebrushwas used by desert Indians in medicine, dyes, foods, and as sacred wandsfor medicine men.
Wormwood is drought resistant and grows best in full sun. Divide plantsin the spring or fall. Artemisias are most commonly used in the garden fortheir ornamental gray color, especially as a gray accent in borders of greenplants or colorful flowers. The silvery gray foliage softens harsh redsand oranges and blends beautifully with blues, lavenders, and pinks.
Use common wormwood sparingly to season poultry. Roman wormwood is sometimesadded to sachets. Place leaves in closets to keep moths away.