FloraPlus
Home Plant Tools Identify Plant Disease Diagnostic
Common wormwood plant image
Asteraceae HERB OUTDOOR Placement

Common wormwood

Artemisia absinthium

Identified By Marcs

Common wormwood is a perennial herbaceous plant recognized for its silvery-green leaves, intense aromatic scent, and extremely bitter taste. Native to temperate regions of Eurasia and North Africa, it has historically been utilized in traditional medicine and in the production of alcoholic beverages like absinthe and vermouth. The plant thrives in poor, dry soils and full sun, often growing up to one hundred twenty centimeters in height. Its distinct foliage features a fine covering of silky hairs that give it a grayish appearance, helping it retain moisture in harsh, arid environments. While valued for its herbal properties and ornamental appeal, it requires careful handling due to potent bioactive compounds that can be toxic if consumed in excessive amounts.

Also known as: Wormwood Absinthe wormwood Grand wormwood

Toxicity & Safety

Is Common wormwood toxic to pets?

Yes, toxic to pets.

Common wormwood is toxic to pets if ingested in large quantities. The plant contains essential oils such as thujone, which can cause severe gastrointestinal irritation, vomiting, diarrhea, central nervous system stimulation, tremors, and in severe cases, seizures or organ damage. Animals typically avoid grazing on it due to its strong bitter taste, but potted or accessible garden specimens should be kept well away from cats, dogs, and horses to prevent accidental poisoning.

Is Common wormwood toxic to humans?

Yes, toxic to humans.

Ingesting common wormwood in large amounts or using its concentrated essential oil can be highly toxic to humans. The primary toxic compound is thujone, which affects the nervous system. Overconsumption or misuse can lead to symptoms such as restlessness, insomnia, vertigo, tremors, muscle spasms, and kidney failure. Prolonged or chronic use can cause irreversible neurological damage, making it crucial to handle and consume this herbal plant strictly under professional medical guidance.

Is Common wormwood safe during pregnancy?

Caution advised during pregnancy.

Common wormwood is strictly contraindicated during pregnancy and breastfeeding. The plant possesses powerful emmenagogue and uterotonic properties, meaning it can stimulate blood flow in the pelvic area and induce uterine contractions. Consuming wormwood in any form—whether as a tea, extract, or supplement—carries a significant risk of causing a miscarriage, premature labor, or severe developmental complications for the fetus. Expectant and nursing mothers must avoid all exposure to this herb.

Growth & Dimensions

Height 60 - 120 cm
Width 30 - 90 cm
Growth Rate Moderate
Care Level Easy
Lifespan Perennial

Ideal Environment

Temperature -25°C - 35°C
Sunlight Hours 6 - 12 hrs/day
Sun Exposure Full sun
Soil pH 6 - 8.5
Watering Interval 10 - 21 days
Humidity 20.00% - 60.00%
USDA Zone 4 - 9

Temperate Europe and Asia

Climate: Arid to temperate zones with warm summers and cold winters.

Soils: Sandy loam Chalky soil Rocky soil
Annual Rainfall: 300 - 800 mm

Native Regions

Europe
North Africa
Asia

How to Care for Common wormwood

How should I handle sunlight requirements?

Plant common wormwood in a location that receives full sun, ideally at least six to eight hours of direct sunlight daily, to encourage vibrant silvery foliage and strong growth.

How should I handle watering guidelines?

Water sparingly once established. This drought-tolerant herb prefers dry soil conditions and is highly susceptible to root rot if overwatered or planted in poorly draining earth.

How should I handle soil and fertilization?

Grow in poor to moderately fertile, well-draining soil with a neutral to alkaline pH. Avoid rich soils and heavy fertilizers, as excess nutrients diminish the plant's aromatic intensity.

How should I handle pruning and maintenance?

Cut back stems in early spring before new growth appears to encourage a bushy habit and prevent the center of the plant from becoming woody and sparse.

How to Propagate Common wormwood

How to propagate Common wormwood by seed?

Sow seeds in spring on the surface of moist, well-draining soil, pressing them down lightly as they require light to germinate.

How to propagate Common wormwood by cutting?

Take stem cuttings in late spring or summer, dip in rooting hormone, and plant in a sandy propagation mix until roots develop.

How to propagate Common wormwood by division?

Divide established clumps in early spring or autumn every few years to maintain plant vigor.

Common Diseases & Pests of Common wormwood

What is Powdery Mildew and how is it treated?

Fungal
Symptoms:

White or gray powdery spots appear on leaves and stems, eventually causing leaves to yellow and drop prematurely.

Treatment:

Apply a sulfur-based fungicide or neem oil spray, and improve air circulation by spacing plants adequately.

Prevention:

Ensure full sun exposure, avoid overhead watering, and maintain good spacing between garden specimens.

What is Root Rot and how is it treated?

Fungal
Symptoms:

Wilting foliage, stunted growth, and dark, mushy roots with a foul odor.

Treatment:

Remove severely affected plants immediately. Improve drainage in the surrounding soil if neighboring plants show early symptoms.

Prevention:

Plant in fast-draining soil and allow the growing medium to dry out completely between watering sessions.

Properties & Benefits of Common wormwood

Used for Tea/Tisane Aromatic Plant

Uses & Health Benefits

What are the benefits of digestive support in Common wormwood?

Traditionally used to stimulate appetite, improve digestion, and relieve gastrointestinal discomfort due to its bitter principles.

Precautions: Should not be used continuously for more than a few weeks at a time.

What are the benefits of antiparasitic action in Common wormwood?

Historical herbalism values wormwood for its ability to help purge intestinal worms and parasites.

Precautions: Must be used with extreme caution and under expert supervision due to high toxicity risks.

Key Nutrients / Compounds

Thujone high Variable essential oil profile
Absinthin rich in Primary bitter compound

OTHER PLANTS

Colchicum

Colchicum

Colchicum is a fascinating genus of perennial cormous plants belonging to the family Colchicaceae. Commonly known as autumn crocus or meadow saffron, they are famous for producing their delicate, goblet-shaped flowers in the autumn without any leaves present. The lush, broad green foliage emerges the following spring, eventually dying back before the blooming cycle repeats in late summer or autumn. While highly prized in ornamental horticulture for bringing vibrant color to the garden when most other flowers are fading, every part of the plant is exceptionally toxic due to the presence of colchicine, requiring careful handling and placement away from children and grazing animals.

Care guide
Bellflower

Bellflower

Bellflowers belong to the genus Campanula, comprising a vast and diverse group of herbaceous plants known for their distinctive bell-shaped flowers, which typically bloom in vibrant shades of blue, purple, pink, and white. These charming and resilient plants are extremely popular in garden landscapes, rockeries, and border plantings across temperate regions. Most species are hardy perennials, though some are annuals or biennials. They generally thrive in moderate climates with well-drained soils and benefit from partial shade to full sun depending on the specific species and regional summer heat intensities.

Care guide
False Castor Oil Plant

False Castor Oil Plant

The False Castor Oil Plant, scientifically known as Jatropha curcas, is a species of flowering plant in the spurge family, Euphorbiaceae. Native to the American tropics, it is now widely cultivated in tropical and subtropical regions worldwide. This robust shrub or small tree is primarily recognized for its drought resistance and the high oil content found within its seeds, which has made it a significant candidate for biofuel production. Despite its numerous industrial applications and traditional medicinal uses, all parts of the plant are highly toxic to humans and animals due to the presence of toxalbumin and other phytotoxins. It features large, lobed green leaves and produces small yellowish-green flowers followed by oval fruits.

Care guide
Velvet Leaf Anthurium

Velvet Leaf Anthurium

Anthurium clarinervium is a breathtaking tropical epiphyte native to the rainforests of southern Mexico. Celebrated primarily for its striking, heart-shaped dark green velvety leaves adorned with prominent, contrasting white or pale green veins, it is a prized specimen for indoor plant enthusiasts. As a member of the Araceae family, it thrives in warm, humid environments with dappled sunlight. Due to its epiphytic nature, it requires an extremely well-aerated, chunky soil mix that mimics its natural tree-dwelling habitat, allowing its thick roots to breathe and prevent root rot while maintaining adequate moisture levels throughout the growing season.

Care guide
Alocasia Polly

Alocasia Polly

Alocasia Polly is a stunning and highly popular tropical indoor foliage plant known for its striking, glossy, dark green leaves adorned with prominent, contrasting white or silvery veins. This compact hybrid features deeply lobed, arrowhead-shaped leaves that give it a unique, almost sculptural appearance resembling an African tribal mask. As an indoor houseplant, it requires careful attention to environmental conditions, particularly regarding humidity, warmth, and moisture levels, making it slightly more challenging for novice gardeners but deeply rewarding for dedicated plant enthusiasts seeking dramatic aesthetic appeal.

Care guide
Eggplant

Eggplant

Eggplant, scientifically known as Solanum melongena, is a tender perennial plant belonging to the nightshade family Solanaceae, typically cultivated as an annual in temperate agricultural zones. Grown primarily for its spongy, absorbent edible fruit, the plant features coarse, often lobed leaves, delicate purple to white flowers, and stems that can sometimes bear prickles. Originating in tropical Asia, particularly India, eggplants require warm climates, abundant sunshine, and rich, well-draining soil to thrive. The fruit comes in a diverse range of shapes, sizes, and colors, stretching from the traditional large, glossy deep purple globe cultivars to elongated Asian types and tiny white or variegated varieties. Nutritionally, eggplants are valued for supplying dietary fiber, potassium, and various antioxidant compounds, making them a popular culinary staple in Mediterranean, Middle Eastern, and Asian cuisines.

Care guide
Okra

Okra

Okra, known scientifically as Abelmoschus esculentus, is a vibrant and versatile warm-season vegetable prized for its edible green seed pods. Cultivated widely in tropical, subtropical, and temperate regions, the plant belongs to the mallow family and features striking hibiscus-like flowers with pale yellow petals and deep red centers. As an agricultural and garden staple, okra thrives in rich, well-draining soils under full sunlight and provides a robust harvest of nutritious pods that are widely utilized in various culinary traditions around the world, particularly in stews, gumbos, and fried dishes, due to its unique thickening properties.

Care guide
Winged Bean

Winged Bean

The winged bean is a tropical legume plant native to New Guinea, highly prized for its exceptional nutritional value and versatility in tropical agriculture. Every part of the plant is edible, including the pods, leaves, flowers, seeds, and tuberous roots. It gets its common name from the distinctive four longitudinal wings with frilly edges that run along the length of the green pods. Thriving primarily in warm, humid climates, this vigorous climbing vine requires strong support structures to maximize pod production and prevent fungal issues caused by ground contact.

Care guide
Cassava

Cassava

Cassava is a woody shrub native to South America of the spurge family, Euphorbiaceae. It is extensively cultivated as an annual crop in tropical and subtropical regions for its edible starchy tuberous root, a major source of carbohydrates. Cassava is remarkably drought-tolerant, capable of surviving in poor soils where many other crops would fail. Its starchy roots can be processed into flour, bread, and tapioca. Despite its agricultural importance, all parts of the plant contain cyanogenic glucosides, which require proper and thorough processing before safe human or animal consumption to prevent severe toxicity and health issues.

Care guide
Crocosmia

Crocosmia

Crocosmia is a stunning genus of perennial cormous flowering plants belonging to the iris family, Iridaceae. Native primarily to the grasslands of South Africa, these vibrant plants are celebrated for their fiery spikes of red, orange, and yellow tubular flowers that bloom brilliantly throughout the mid to late summer months. They possess sword-shaped, pleated green leaves that create an attractive architectural contrast in garden beds and borders. Crocosmia plants are well-loved by gardeners for their resilience, ability to attract pollinators like hummingbirds and bees, and their exceptional performance as long-lasting cut flowers. They thrive in fertile, well-draining soils under full sun to partial shade conditions and multiply rapidly via underground corms.

Care guide
Panda Plant

Panda Plant

The Panda Plant, scientifically known as Kalanchoe tomentosa, is a fascinating and popular succulent native to Madagascar. It is widely celebrated for its thick, velvety, fleshy leaves that feature a soft, silvery-gray coating and charming brownish-black spots along the scalloped margins. This distinctive fuzzy texture helps the plant reduce moisture loss in its native arid habitats by trapping a thin layer of humid air around the leaf surface. As an exceptionally drought-tolerant perennial, the Panda Plant is remarkably well-suited for indoor container gardening, requiring minimal maintenance, bright indirect sunlight, and infrequent watering to thrive successfully in typical household environments.

Care guide
Zebra Haworthia

Zebra Haworthia

The Zebra Haworthia, scientifically known as Haworthiopsis fasciata, is a charming, compact succulent native to South Africa, specifically the Eastern Cape province. It is widely celebrated for its striking dark green leaves adorned with distinctive, raised white horizontal stripes that resemble zebra patterns. Growing in small rosettes, this resilient plant typically reaches a height of 10 to 15 centimeters, making it an ideal choice for windowsills, small apartment spaces, and terrariums. As a succulent, it stores water in its fleshy leaves, allowing it to withstand periods of drought with ease. It is particularly popular among beginner gardeners due to its low maintenance requirements and high tolerance for indoor growing conditions.

Care guide
Tree Aeonium

Tree Aeonium

The Tree Aeonium (Aeonium arboreum) is a striking succulent subshrub native to the Canary Islands, known for its rosette-forming, fleshy leaves and branching woody stems. This architectural plant typically grows up to one to two meters in height, producing large, glossy rosettes that can range in color from vibrant green to deep purple or almost black, depending on the cultivar and sunlight exposure. In winter or spring, mature rosettes produce large, conical panicles of bright yellow, star-shaped flowers. As a popular ornamental plant in Mediterranean and arid gardens, it thrives in mild climates and well-draining soils, requiring minimal water once established. Its ability to withstand coastal conditions makes it a favorite for seaside landscaping, rock gardens, and container planting.

Care guide
Heliotrope

Heliotrope

Heliotrope is a cherished garden perennial grown primarily for its intensely fragrant, vanilla-scented purple or blue flower clusters and rich, dark green foliage. Native to Peru, this charming plant brings both visual elegance and a delightful aroma to outdoor borders, containers, and patios. It thrives best in warm climates with plenty of sunshine and moist, well-draining soil. Gardeners frequently use heliotrope as an annual in cooler temperate regions, appreciating its long blooming season that extends from early summer right through the first autumn frosts. While visually stunning and adored by pollinators like butterflies, all parts of the plant contain pyrrolizidine alkaloids, meaning it is toxic if ingested by pets or humans.

Care guide
Garden Phlox

Garden Phlox

Garden Phlox is a magnificent, classic perennial powerhouse deeply cherished in traditional cottage gardens for its breathtaking, sweetly fragrant blossom clusters that burst into vibrant shades of pink, purple, red, and white during the peak of summer. Reaching impressive heights, this robust plant serves as an exceptional structural element in perennial borders, reliably drawing in a diverse array of essential pollinators such as butterflies and hummingbirds. Originating primarily from the rich woodlands and moist meadows of North America, garden phlox adapts wonderfully to cultivated landscapes provided it receives adequate moisture, fertile soil, and sufficient air circulation to thrive harmoniously.

Care guide
Sweet Alyssum

Sweet Alyssum

Sweet Alyssum is a popular, low-growing, mounding annual plant belonging to the Brassicaceae family. Highly appreciated for its dense carpets of tiny, fragrant white, pink, or purple flowers that emit a sweet, honey-like scent, it is a favorite for garden borders, rockeries, containers, and hanging baskets. This resilient plant attracts a wide array of beneficial insects, including pollinators like bees and butterflies, making it an excellent companion plant for vegetable gardens. Thriving best in cooler weather, Sweet Alyssum is remarkably easy to cultivate from seeds and can bloom continuously from spring until the first heavy frost if properly maintained with occasional trimming. Its compact habit and drought tolerance once established make it an indispensable choice for both novice and experienced gardeners seeking reliable, long-lasting floral displays and wonderful fragrances in their outdoor living spaces.

Care guide
French Marigold

French Marigold

The French Marigold, scientifically known as Tagetes patula, is a popular herbaceous annual flowering plant belonging to the Asteraceae family. Native to Mexico and Central America, it is widely cultivated across the globe for its vibrant, cheerful blooms in shades of yellow, orange, red, and mahogany. Renowned for its pungent, distinct aroma and brightly colored compound flowers, this resilient plant is a favorite in ornamental gardening, companion planting, and border landscaping. It acts as a natural pest deterrent in vegetable gardens, helping to repel nematodes and various harmful insects, making it an invaluable asset for organic gardeners seeking sustainable pest management solutions alongside aesthetic beauty.

Care guide
Pot Marigold

Pot Marigold

Pot Marigold, scientifically known as Calendula officinalis, is a popular and cheerful flowering plant belonging to the daisy family Asteraceae. Native to the Mediterranean region, this hardy annual or short-lived perennial is widely celebrated for its vibrant yellow and orange blossoms that brighten up any garden landscape. Beyond its ornamental appeal, the pot marigold has a rich history in herbal medicine, culinary arts, and cosmetics. Its petals are frequently used to add color to salads, infuse oils, and create soothing salves for skin irritations. Exceptionally easy to grow from seed, it thrives in a variety of soils and full sun, making it a favorite companion plant for vegetable gardens due to its ability to deter certain pests and attract beneficial pollinators.

Care guide
Strawflower

Strawflower

The strawflower, scientifically known as Xerochrysum bracteatum, is a remarkable and popular ornamental plant native to Australia. It is widely celebrated for its uniquely stiff, papery bracts that surround the actual flowers, giving them a dry, straw-like texture that lasts indefinitely even after being cut. This characteristic makes strawflowers an absolute favorite for dried floral arrangements, crafts, and long-lasting bouquets. They thrive in warm climates with plenty of sunshine and well-draining soil, offering a vibrant splash of yellow, red, orange, pink, and white colors throughout the summer and autumn months. As resilient annuals or short-lived perennials in warmer zones, they are remarkably drought-tolerant and easy to grow for both novice and experienced gardeners alike.

Care guide
Love-Lies-Bleeding

Love-Lies-Bleeding

Love-Lies-Bleeding, scientifically known as Amaranthus caudatus, is a remarkable and striking ornamental plant famous for its cascading, rope-like clusters of deep crimson or purplish-red flowers. Native to the tropical regions of the Americas, this annual herb can grow quite tall, creating a dramatic architectural statement in gardens and floral arrangements. The flowers can stretch downwards for up to sixty centimeters, giving the plant its vivid and melancholy common name. It thrives in warm weather, requires plenty of sunlight, and adapts well to a variety of well-drained soils. Beyond its stunning visual appeal, parts of the plant, including the nutritious seeds and leaves, have historically been utilized for culinary purposes by indigenous cultures in South America, making it both a feast for the eyes and a source of sustenance.

Care guide
Statice

Statice

Statice, scientifically known as Limonium sinuatum, is a remarkably popular ornamental plant celebrated for its brightly colored, papery calyces that retain their vibrant hues long after being cut. This makes them an absolute favorite in the floral industry for fresh bouquets as well as dried flower arrangements. Native to the Mediterranean region, statice thrives in coastal environments and poorly fertile soils, showcasing an exceptional resilience to drought and salty conditions. The plant features deeply lobed, basal leaves and produces stiff, winged stems topped with clusters of tiny, delicate flowers. Gardeners appreciate statice for its long blooming season, spanning from late spring straight through the autumn frosts, adding reliable splashes of purple, pink, yellow, white, or blue to garden beds and borders.

Care guide
Baby's Breath

Baby's Breath

Baby's Breath, scientifically known as Gypsophila paniculata, is a popular ornamental flowering plant belonging to the carnation family, Caryophyllaceae. Native to parts of Europe and Asia, it is widely celebrated for its delicate, cloud-like clusters of tiny white or pink flowers that add an ethereal, airy texture to floral arrangements and garden borders. This hardy herbaceous perennial thrives in well-drained, alkaline soils and full sun exposure, making it remarkably drought-tolerant once established. While it is a cherished favorite among florists globally, it can behave as an invasive species in certain agricultural regions due to its prolific seed production and deep taproot system.

Care guide
Sweet William

Sweet William

Sweet William is a popular ornamental garden plant belonging to the Caryophyllaceae family. Renowned for its dense, flat-topped clusters of vibrant flowers that feature shades of red, pink, white, and bicolors, this charming flowering plant is a favorite in traditional and cottage gardens. Typically grown as a biennial or short-lived perennial, Sweet William thrives in cooler temperate climates and is well-appreciated for its delightful, spicy fragrance reminiscent of cloves. It attracts various pollinators, including butterflies and bees, making it a wonderful ecological addition to backyard landscapes. Cultivating Sweet William is relatively straightforward, as it prefers well-drained soils and plenty of sunshine, though it can tolerate partial shade in hotter regions.

Care guide
Foxtail Palm

Foxtail Palm

The Foxtail Palm, scientifically known as Wodyetia bifurcata, is a magnificent and highly sought-after ornamental palm native to the rocky outcrops of Cape Melville in Queensland, Australia. Renowned for its distinctive, bushy fronds that resemble the bushy tail of a fox, this single-trunked palm can reach heights of up to 10 meters in cultivation. It features a smooth, self-cleaning, gray trunk and a striking crownshaft that adds a vibrant tropical elegance to landscapes. Highly adaptable to various tropical and subtropical climates, the Foxtail Palm is exceptionally popular in modern landscaping due to its resilience, striking aesthetic appeal, and relatively fast growth rate under optimal conditions. It thrives in well-drained soils and requires abundant sunshine to showcase its lush green foliage at its absolute best.

Care guide