Artemisia absinthium 

'Wormwood'

Asteraceae: Perennial growing to 1 m (3ft 3in) by 0.6 m (2ft), hardy to zone 4 and flowering from July to August, found growing waste land, rocks and screes, native to temperate regions of Europe and Asia, including Britain, north to Lapland and Siberia. 

USES:

Leaves are occasionally used as a flavouring, and is used as an ingredient in the spirit absinthe as well as some other alcoholic drinks, a very bitter plant with a long history of use as a medicinal herb. It is valued especially for its tonic effect on the liver, gallbladder and digestive system, and for its vermicidal activity, it is an extremely useful medicine for those with weak and under-active digestion, it increases stomach acid and bile production caution is advised, prolonged use is known to have a detrimental effect, the plant contains thujone, in small quantities this acts as a brain stimulant but is toxic in excess, avoid if prone to seizures, avoid during pregnancy & breast feeding, Wormwood's' adverse effects include hallucinations, insomnia, and loss of intellect, psychosis, tremor & seizures.

GROWING INFORMATION:

Surface sow seeds from late winter to early summer in a greenhouse and do not allow the compost to dry out. When large enough to handle, prick out the seedlings into individual pots. If growth is sufficient, they can be planted out into their permanent positions in the summer, otherwise grow them on in a cold frame for their first winter and then plant them out in the spring. Division in spring or autumn. Basal cuttings in late spring. Harvest the young shoots when about 10-15cm long, pot up in a lightly shaded position in a greenhouse or cold frame and plant them out when well rooted. Very easy, and can take over if left unchecked.

HARVESTED:

APPROX. 1000+ SEEDS