Artemisia abrotanum

Artemisia abrotanum, or Southernwood, is a shrub-like herbaceous perennial in the sunflower family.  It is native to the Baltic States, but has been introduced in Eurasia, North America and Africa. Upright branches with feathery gray-green leaves form bushy clumps noted for their pungent camphor-like scent.  It produces small, inconspicuous, pale-yellow flowers.  It is easily propagated by seed, root division, or by semi-hardwood stem-cuttings in late summer.  In the U.S. it is cultivated as an ornamental and may become a naturalized weed, particularly in disturbed areas.  This plant is very drought tolerant and requires a sunny location with well-drained soil.  It is suitable for xeriscape gardening, dry rocky slopes, borders, paths or other dry areas where other plants are difficult to grow.  Plants are susceptible to rot in moist, poorly drained soils but otherwise are generally disease free.  Cutting plants back in the fall and dividing clumps every 3-4 years will help to maintain robust growth.  Historically this plant has been used medicinally and due to its strong scent, was used as an air freshener, insect repellent, and moth repellent for wool clothing. Leaves retain their fragrance even after cutting and drying, making it suitable for use in potpourris and sachets to freshen air or clothing.  

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