Wormwood

Artemisia absinthium

Silvery-leaved Mediterranean perennial. Historically the bittering agent in absinthe; carries the artemisinin-relative thujone.

Hardiness ratings

Wormwood hardiness across the four zone systems
SystemRatingTemperature rangeHow to read it
USDA hardiness zone Zone 3–8 −40 °C to −6.7 °C Plant tolerates down to this zone
RHS hardiness rating H7 down to −20 °C Plant needs at least this level of cold tolerance
Canadian plant hardiness zone Zone 3–8 −34 °C to −1 °C Plant tolerates down to this zone
Australian (ANBG) zone Zone 1–4 −15 °C to 5 °C Plant tolerates down to this zone

Growing notes

  • Toxic in large or prolonged doses — thujone is neurotoxic
  • Excellent companion plant for repelling fleas, slugs, and many garden pests
  • Always consult a qualified medical or herbal practitioner before using any plant medicinally

Pet caution: Wormwood is listed as potentially harmful to cats and/or dogs. Keep pets from grazing on it, and contact a vet if you suspect your animal has eaten some.

Categories

Related plants

Cross-check Wormwood against your zones

Reference

Wormwood on Wikipedia