Hardiness zones
Sunset 2 - 24
USDA 4 -5 (as an annual), 6 - 11

Landscape Use: Garden border, large edging, garden background, filler, foliar accent

Form & Character: Wispy, delicate, spreading

Growth Habit: Evergreen perennial, moderate growth to 2 to 4' with equal spread

Foliage/Texture: Ovate to orbicular, 3" long on distinct petiole, silvery gray, finely divided, pinntified, pungently aromatic, fine texture

Flowers & Fruits: Small yellow flowers to 1/8" diameter arranged in a panicle, fruits inconspicuous

Seasonal Color: None, as flowers are not the feature point of this plant.

Temperature: Tolerant

Light: Partial to full sun

Soil: Tolerant, but grows best in well drained soil with in Phoenix an organic surface mulch

Watering: Though it appears as if it will tolerate drought, common wormwood needs supplemental water in Phoenix landscapes. Looks best if given infrequent, but regular heavy water applications during summer. No supplemental water in winter is needed.

Pruning: Head back to control shape

Propagation: Semi-hardwood cuttings taken in late summer or autumn. It also can be propagated by dividing the roots in autumn

Disease and pests: None

Additional comments: Nice silver gray foliar accent plant for perennial gardens and landscape borders. Cultivar 'Lambrook Silver' is somewhat smaller with especially fine cut silvery leaves.

Absinthium means "without sweetness". All parts of this plant are bitter.  The bitterness is thought to stimulate acid and bile production when ingested and has at various times throughout history been prescribed for stomach aches and those with underactive digestive systems. Absinthe was once prescribed to kill intestinal parasitic worms. Other species of Artemisia still are used in Asia to treat intestinal worms. The pungent foliage of absinthe is an effective insect repellent when rubbed on the skin or placed in pantries and drawers.

A psychedelic drink, absinthe, was once commonly made from Artemisia absinthium and was Popular in the 19th and early 20th centuries among European artists. It contains the compound thujone, which has been shown to cause hallucinations and permanent mental illness. Absinthe was also used to flavor vermouth and beer. The absinthe on the market today is an imitation, and the liqueur, Chartreuse, although very similar, contains none of the toxic wormwood.