Absinth Artemisia
- Phonetic Spelling
- ar-tem-EE-zee-ah
- This plant has high severity poison characteristics.
- See below
- Description
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The Artemisia genus is a member of the aster family (Asteracea) and contains approximately 300 species of herbaceous annual, biennial, and perennial plants found throughout temperate regions of the Northern Hemisphere, South America and South Africa. Artemisia species inhabit sunny, dry, infertile soils. Suitable climates support growth of wild or naturalized species as well as those cultivated for ornamental use. This diverse species varies greatly in size and shape, ranging from soft fern-like to erect shrub-like forms. Most have herbaceous or woody stems with clumping, mounding or ground-hugging growth habits. Plants spread primarily through rhizomatous roots. Small inconspicuous yellow-white flowers may also produce viable seeds. In the northern U.S., some species may become weedy in disturbed areas. Many perennial species have been cultivated for ornamental garden use in USDA Zones 3-8. This species is most noteworthy for its aromatic foliage and/or interesting texture. Leaves, ranging in color from green to silvery gray, may be finely cut and covered with velvety hairs. Silvery foliage offers a soft color to complement or contrast with other landscape plants. Leaves of many species contain thujones, terpenoids, and other chemical compounds that contribute to its fragrance. Depending on the species, these compounds also have potential for toxicity in humans, pets, and livestock. Some species have been used for herbal or culinary purposes. Leaves of some species remain fragrant long after they are cut and dried, making them desirable for use in sachets, floral arrangements, and potpourris. Its strong aroma and taste generally discourage garden herbivores and some insects. They will not tolerate wet soils, wet winter conditions, or climates with high humidity. Plants are prone to rot in moist conditions.
- See this plant in the following landscape:
- Cultivars / Varieties:
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A. abrotanum
- A. schmidtiana 'Nana'
- Makana Silver
2nd Place Container Plant in the 2019 NC State Annual Color Trials
'Powis Castle'
A. absinthium
Historically used to flavor absinthe A. dracunculus
Tarragon, a French herb A. ludoviciana
A. vulgaris
Hybrid cultivar - A. schmidtiana 'Nana'
- A. abrotanum, A. absinthium, A. dracunculus, A. ludoviciana, A. schmidtiana 'Nana', A. stelleriana, A. vulgaris, Makana Silver, 'Powis Castle'
- Tags:
- Cultivars / Varieties:
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A. abrotanum
- A. schmidtiana 'Nana'
- Makana Silver
2nd Place Container Plant in the 2019 NC State Annual Color Trials
'Powis Castle'
A. absinthium
Historically used to flavor absinthe A. dracunculus
Tarragon, a French herb A. ludoviciana
A. vulgaris
Hybrid cultivar - A. schmidtiana 'Nana'
- A. abrotanum, A. absinthium, A. dracunculus, A. ludoviciana, A. schmidtiana 'Nana', A. stelleriana, A. vulgaris, Makana Silver, 'Powis Castle'
- Tags:
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Attributes:
- Genus:
- Artemisia
- Family:
- Asteraceae
- Uses (Ethnobotany):
- Some species used medicinally or as herbs. Aromatic foliage is used in wreaths, floral arrangements, sachets, potpourris and other crafts.
- Life Cycle:
- Perennial
- Recommended Propagation Strategy:
- Division
- Country Or Region Of Origin:
- Europe, Subtropical Northern Hemisphere & S. America
- Distribution:
- Temperate Northern Hemisphere, western South America, South Africa
- Play Value:
- Fragrance
- Textural
- Particularly Resistant To (Insects/Diseases/Other Problems):
- deer damage
- Dimensions:
- Height: 1 ft. 0 in. - 4 ft. 0 in.
- Width: 1 ft. 0 in. - 6 ft. 0 in.
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Whole Plant Traits:
- Plant Type:
- Herbaceous Perennial
- Perennial
- Poisonous
- Habit/Form:
- Clumping
- Creeping
- Erect
- Mounding
- Spreading
- Growth Rate:
- Medium
- Maintenance:
- Medium
- Texture:
- Medium
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Cultural Conditions:
- Light:
- Full sun (6 or more hours of direct sunlight a day)
- Soil Texture:
- Loam (Silt)
- Sand
- Shallow Rocky
- Soil pH:
- Acid (<6.0)
- Alkaline (>8.0)
- Neutral (6.0-8.0)
- Soil Drainage:
- Occasionally Dry
- Very Dry
- Available Space To Plant:
- 12 inches-3 feet
- NC Region:
- Coastal
- Mountains
- Piedmont
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Flowers:
- Flower Color:
- Gold/Yellow
- Green
- White
- Flower Bloom Time:
- Summer
- Flower Shape:
- Cup
- Flower Size:
- < 1 inch
- Flower Description:
- Flowers are small, drooping, and greenish-yellow.
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Leaves:
- Leaf Color:
- Gray/Silver
- Green
- Leaf Value To Gardener:
- Fragrant
- Leaf Arrangement:
- Alternate
- Hairs Present:
- Yes
- Leaf Description:
- Leaves are silvery-green, alternate, and finely divided into blunt, narrow segments with silvery hairs on both sides.
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Stem:
- Stem Is Aromatic:
- No
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Landscape:
- Landscape Location:
- Naturalized Area
- Rock Wall
- Slope/Bank
- Landscape Theme:
- Cottage Garden
- Cutting Garden
- Drought Tolerant Garden
- English Garden
- Rock Garden
- Design Feature:
- Border
- Mass Planting
- Resistance To Challenges:
- Deer
- Diseases
- Drought
- Dry Soil
- Heat
- Poor Soil
- Rabbits
- Problems:
- Poisonous to Humans
- Problem for Cats
- Problem for Children
- Problem for Dogs
- Problem for Horses
- Weedy
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Poisonous to Humans:
- Poison Severity:
- High
- Poison Symptoms:
- TOXIC ONLY IF LARGE QUANTITIES EATEN. (Poisonous through ingestion. Poisonous parts: all parts). Symptoms: In the form of absinthe, an outlawed beverage, it can cause forgetfulness, delirium, convulsions, and brain damage.
- Poison Toxic Principle:
- A monoterpene thujone
- Causes Contact Dermatitis:
- No
- Poison Part:
- Bark
- Flowers
- Fruits
- Leaves
- Roots
- Seeds
- Stems