Astéracées • Artemisia annua

Annual Wormwood - Organic

"Annual wormwood: wild elegance and subtle fragrances for secret gardens."

$4.49

Number of seeds 500 seeds

A member of the Asteraceae family, this large annual herbaceous plant native to Asia has long been used in traditional medicine, particularly to reduce fever. It is also recognized for its antibacterial properties. It gained prominence in 2015 when Chinese researcher Tu Youyou received the Nobel Prize for her work on malaria: she highlighted the effectiveness of an extract from this plant, artemisinin, capable of slowing the progression of the disease or mitigating its effects. Despite these uses, it remains essential to consult a certified naturopath before any medicinal use.

In the garden, its early-season foliage, light as lace, immediately catches the eye. As it matures, it develops into slender branches reminiscent of conifers. It is prized for its size, rapid growth, good drought tolerance, and airy foliage that creates an elegant backdrop. It is also an excellent companion plant thanks to its insect-repellent properties. Its sweet fragrance, reminiscent of bubble gum to some, is released at the slightest touch. It is easily sown directly in the ground and often self-seeds readily.

Finally, as its foliage repels moths, dense wreaths of annual mugwort can be woven to protect clothes, without having to endure the smell of traditional mothballs.

Climate :Prefers temperate to warm climates, tolerates drought once established.
Difficulty:Easy to grow, a robust plant adapted to many soils.
Exposure :Full sun for optimal development.
Note: Be careful to avoid overly damp or heavy soils to limit the risk of rot.

Traditionally used in natural medicine, particularly for its antipyretic and antiparasitic properties. In cooking, its leaves delicately flavor certain dishes, although its use is more limited due to its bitter taste.