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Absinth Artemisia

Other Common Name(s):

Phonetic Spelling
ar-tem-EE-zee-ah
This plant has high severity poison characteristics.
See below
Description

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:
A. abrotanum, A. absinthium, A. dracunculus, A. ludoviciana, A. schmidtiana 'Nana', A. stelleriana, A. vulgaris, Makana Silver, 'Powis Castle'
Tags:
#poisonous#full sun tolerant#silver leaves#green flowers#yellow flowers#silver#deer browsing plant#deer resistant#ornamentals#partial shade tolerant#perennial#th-smell
 
Cultivars / Varieties:
A. abrotanum, A. absinthium, A. dracunculus, A. ludoviciana, A. schmidtiana 'Nana', A. stelleriana, A. vulgaris, Makana Silver, 'Powis Castle'
Tags:
#poisonous#full sun tolerant#silver leaves#green flowers#yellow flowers#silver#deer browsing plant#deer resistant#ornamentals#partial shade tolerant#perennial#th-smell
  • 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.
  • Whole Plant Traits:
    Plant Type:
    Herbaceous Perennial
    Perennial
    Poisonous
    Habit/Form:
    Clumping
    Creeping
    Erect
    Mounding
    Spreading
    Growth Rate:
    Medium
    Maintenance:
    Medium
    Texture:
    Medium
  • 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
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • Stem:
    Stem Is Aromatic:
    No
  • 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
  • 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