Artemisia absinthium Wormwood

Artemisia absinthium, Wormwood, is a compact, bushy perennial covered with deeply cut leaves covered in a white silky down which gives the plant a grey-green appearance. It has an aromatic smell that is much stronger than that of Mugwort (Artemisia vulgaris) and is a much greyer colour overall than that species. It contains lots of bioactive compounds and has been used in medicine since ancient times. Among the claimed properties of Wormwood extracts are anti-fungal, anti-bacterial, anti-viral, anti-ulcer, anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant and anti-cancer effects and its efficacy as a treatment for hepatitis and other liver disorders has also been discussed in the pharmacological literature. However, long-term use has been associated with mental problems. It contains many interesting phytochemicals such as lactones, terpenoids, essential oils, organic acids, glucosides and tannins. It has a fairly limited distribution in West Glamorgan but it may be spreading in overgrazed grassland in Gower. Otherwise it is an urban species of disturbed ground and roadsides almost always near to houses and gardens.

Archeophyte or neophyte