Common Wormwood - Artemisia absinthium

Common wormwood, also known as Artemisia, is a perennial plant with fine silver leaves punctuated by small yellow flowers in summer. It is cultivated for its ornamental appearance and its repellent and insecticidal properties, which are very useful in the vegetable garden. Plant it in autumn or spring and harvest its leaves the following summer.

Wormwood is native to continental regions of Europe, Asia, and North Africa. It belongs to the Asteraceae family and the Artemisia genus, along with mugwort and tarragon. It forms a bushy clump about 90 cm (35in) tall and 60 cm (24in) wide. It is a fragrant perennial plant with attractive greyish-green foliage and a summer flowering in compound panicles of small yellow flowers. It is hardy, at least down to -15°C (5°F), but has a relatively short lifespan. It should be pruned back in early spring to maintain a compact habit.

Wormwood was well-known in the 19th century as it was used to make an alcoholic beverage of the same name, which was so popular that it was banned in 1915 after causing madness in famous figures like Vincent Van Gogh.

Today, although the production of absinthe is again allowed, Artemisia absinthium is mainly cultivated for its ornamental appearance and its repellent and insecticidal properties. It is therefore a valuable ally in the vegetable garden, provided it is planted a little away from the cultivation beds (at least 1 m (3ft)) as it has a growth inhibiting effect on neighbouring plants.

In cooking, it is used to make a liqueur based on brandy. It is a plant with digestive properties that can also be used as a vermifuge. It is said to have abortive properties, so it should be used with great caution.

In the garden, wormwood thrives in sunlight, even intense sun, and prefers nitrogen-rich, rather dry, well-drained, and slightly alkaline soils. A dry soil will enhance the silvery colour of its foliage.

Harvest: The leaves are harvested just before flowering, in July-August, preferably in the late afternoon.

Storage: The leaves can be dried and stored in a dark, dry place.

Gardener's tip: Wormwood has a repellent effect on pests such as flea beetles and cabbage white butterflies. Due to its allelopathic effect, it cannot be planted too close to vegetables. It is interesting to pick a few fresh leaves and place them at the base of the crops to protect them. To combat aphids, ants, and caterpillars, prepare a wormwood infusion (300g of fresh plant per litre of water).