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Artemisia abrotanum
  • Southernwood

a perennial woody deciduous member of the Artemisia genus in the family Compositae.

248px
Niche
  • Unknown
    Unknown
    The ecosystem niches for this plant are unknown. Do you know them? Click the edit button to add them!
Functions
  • Hedge
    Hedge
    There are no details available for this function.
Light
  • Full sun
    Full sun
    The amount of sun exposure that a plant prefers in ideal conditions.
    Key
  • light shade
    Light shade
    The amount of shade a plant will tolerate without adverse health affects.
    Key
Water
  • Water Requirementsmoderate
    Moderate
    The amount of water a plant needs for healthy growth, relative to other plants.
    Key
Soil
  • acid,neutral,alkaline
    Acid to Alkaline
    The PH range (acidity or alkilinity) of the growth medium ideal for healthy nutrient absorbtion.
    Key
  • Sandy to Clay
    The soil texture this plant prefers for optimal growth.
    Key
Cold & Heat
  • 4
    Zone 4
    The USDA Hardiness scale assigns plants a number from 1 to 12 representing the minimum temperature a plant can survive.
    Key
    0< -53.9ºC< -65ºF
    1-51.1ºC-60ºF
    2-45.6ºC-50F
    3-40ºC-40ºF
    4-34.4ºC-30ºF
    5-28.9ºC-20ºF
    6-23.3ºC-10ºF
    7-17.8ºC0ºF
    8-12.2C10ºF
    9-6.7ºC20ºF
    10-1.1ºC30ºF
    114.4ºC40ºF
    12> 10ºC> 5ºF
  • ?
    Unknown
    The AHS Heat scale assigns plants a number from 1 to 12 representing the number of days per year a plant requires a temperature exceeding 30ºC (86ºF).
    Key
    11
    21 - 7
    38 - 14
    415 - 30
    531 - 45
    646 - 60
    761 - 90
    891 - 120
    9121 - 150
    10151 - 180
    11181 - 210
    12181 - 210
Artemisia abrotanum has 0 edible uses listed
Artemisia abrotanum has 0 material uses listed
Artemisia abrotanum has 0 medicinal uses listed

Uses

Toxic parts

Although no reports of toxicity have been seen for this species, skin contact with some members of this genus can cause dermatitis or other allergic reactions in some people[1].

Edible uses

Notes

The young shoots have a bitter, lemony flavour and are used in small quantities as a flavouring in cakes, salads and vinegars[2][3][4][5][6]. A tea is made from the young bitter shoots[5].

Unknown part

Condiment
Tea

Material uses

Insect repellent. The growing plant repels fruit tree moths when growing in an orchard[7][8][9][10]. The fresh plant can also be rubbed onto the skin to deter insects[4]. The shoots can be dried for indoor use, they remain effective for 6 - 12 months[11]. They are also said to repel ants[12]. Shoots can be burnt in the fireplace to remove cooking odours from the house[12].

The leaves have a refreshing lemon-like fragrance and are used in pot-pourri[13]. An essential oil from the leaves and flowering shoots is used in perfumery in order to add certain subtle tones[4]. A yellow dye is obtained from the branches[8][14]. Plants can be grown as a low hedge, they tolerate quite hard clipping[15][12].

An infusion of the plant is used as a hair tonic or conditioner[12].

Unknown part

Dye
Essential
Hair care
Incense
Pot-pourri
Repellent

Medicinal uses(Warning!)

Southernwood has a long history of domestic herbal use, though it is now used infrequently in herbal medicine[16]. It is a strongly aromatic bitter herb that improves digestion and liver function by increasing secretions in the stomach and intestines, it stimulates the uterus and encourages menstrual flow, lowers fevers, relaxes spasms and destroys intestinal worms[17][16]. The herb, and especially the young flowering shoots, is anthelmintic, antiseptic, cholagogue, deobstruent, emmenagogue, stomachic and tonic[3][4][18]. The main use of this herb is as an emmenagogue, though it is also a good stimulant tonic and has some nervine principle[3]. It is sometimes given to young children in order to expel parasitic worms and externally it is applied to small wounds in order to stop them bleeding and help them to heal[4]. The herb is also used externally in aromatic bathes and as a poultice to treat skin conditions[14]. Southernwood should be used internally with caution, see the notes above on toxicity. It should not be prescribed for pregnant women, especially in the first trimester of pregnancy, since it can encourage menstrual flow[17].

Unknown part

Anthelmintic
Antiseptic
Cholagogue
Deobstruent
Emmenagogue
Stomachic
Tonic

Ecology

Ecosystem niche/layer

Ecological Functions

Hedge

Forage

Nothing listed.

Shelter

Nothing listed.

Propagation

Seed - surface sow from late winter to early summer in a greenhouse. The seed usually germinates in 1 - 2 months at 15°c[19]. When large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots. Once the seedlings are more than 15cm tall, plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring or summer.

Cuttings of young wood 8cm long, May in a frame[11].

Cuttings of half-ripe wood with a heel, July/August in a frame[2].

Practical Plants is currently lacking information on propagation instructions of Artemisia abrotanum. Help us fill in the blanks! Edit this page to add your knowledge.



Cultivation

Succeeds in most soils, preferring a well-drained one that is not too rich[2][20]. Easily grown in a well-drained circumneutral or slightly alkaline loamy soil, preferring a sunny position[2][15]. Plants are longer lived, more hardy and more aromatic when they are grown in a poor dry soil[13]. Tolerates a pH in the range 6.3 to 7.6. Established plants are drought tolerant. Plants succeed in maritime gardens[21].

Southernwood is often grown in the herb garden, the leaves are very aromatic[22]. It is best to cut the plant back fairly hard every spring in order to keep it compact and encourage plenty of new growth[21][14]. The plant rarely produces flowers in British gardens[20]. A good companion plant for cabbages[8][9][10]. It is also a good plant to grow in the orchard, where it can help to reduce insect pests[12]. Plants in this genus are notably resistant to honey fungus[15].

Members of this genus are rarely if ever troubled by browsing deer[21].

Crops

Problems, pests & diseases

Associations & Interactions

There are no interactions listed for Artemisia abrotanum. Do you know of an interaction that should be listed here? edit this page to add it.

Polycultures & Guilds

There are no polycultures listed which include Artemisia abrotanum.

Descendants

Cultivars

Varieties

None listed.

Subspecies

None listed.

Full Data

This table shows all the data stored for this plant.

Taxonomy
Binomial name
Artemisia abrotanum
Genus
Artemisia
Family
Compositae
Imported References
Edible uses
[2][3][4][5][6]
Medicinal uses
[16][17][3][4][18][14]
Material uses & Functions
[7][8][9][10][4][11][12][13][14][15]
Botanic
[20][23][15]
Propagation
Cultivation
Environment
Cultivation
Uses
Edible uses
None listed.
Material uses
None listed.
Medicinal uses
None listed.
Functions & Nature
Functions
Hedge
Provides forage for
Provides shelter for
Environment
Hardiness Zone
4
Heat Zone
?
Water
moderate
Sun
full sun
Shade
light shade
Soil PH
acid, neutral, alkaline
Soil Texture
sandy, loamy, clay
Soil Water Retention
well drained
Environmental Tolerances
  • Drought
Ecosystems
Native Climate Zones
None listed.
Adapted Climate Zones
None listed.
Native Geographical Range
None listed.
Native Environment
None listed.
Ecosystem Niche
None listed.
Root Zone Tendancy
None listed.
Life
Deciduous or Evergreen
deciduous
Herbaceous or Woody
woody
Life Cycle
perennial
Growth Rate
?
Mature Size
1.2 x 1 meters
Fertility
?
Pollinators
Wind
Flower Colour
?
Flower Type
hermaphrodite

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"image:Artemisia abrotanum - close-up 1 (aka).jpg|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki. "image:Artemisia abrotanum - close-up 1 (aka).jpg|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki.


"image:Artemisia abrotanum - close-up 1 (aka).jpg|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki.

"image:Artemisia abrotanum - close-up 1 (aka).jpg|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki.

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References

  1. ? Foster. S. & Duke. J. A. A Field Guide to Medicinal Plants. Eastern and Central N. America. Houghton Mifflin Co. ISBN 0395467225 (1990-00-00)
  2. ? 2.02.12.22.32.4 F. Chittendon. RHS Dictionary of Plants plus Supplement. 1956 Oxford University Press (1951-00-00)
  3. ? 3.03.13.23.33.4 Grieve. A Modern Herbal. Penguin ISBN 0-14-046-440-9 (1984-00-00)
  4. ? 4.04.14.24.34.44.54.64.7 Chiej. R. Encyclopaedia of Medicinal Plants. MacDonald ISBN 0-356-10541-5 (1984-00-00)
  5. ? 5.05.15.2 Facciola. S. Cornucopia - A Source Book of Edible Plants. Kampong Publications ISBN 0-9628087-0-9 (1990-00-00)
  6. ? 6.06.1 Phillips. R. & Foy. N. Herbs Pan Books Ltd. London. ISBN 0-330-30725-8 (1990-00-00)
  7. ? 7.07.1 Mabey. R. Plants with a Purpose. Fontana ISBN 0-00-635555-2 (1979-00-00)
  8. ? 8.08.18.28.3 Holtom. J. and Hylton. W. Complete Guide to Herbs. Rodale Press ISBN 0-87857-262-7 (1979-00-00)
  9. ? 9.09.19.2 Philbrick H. and Gregg R. B. Companion Plants. Watkins (1979-00-00)
  10. ? 10.010.110.2 Riotte. L. Companion Planting for Successful Gardening. Garden Way, Vermont, USA. ISBN 0-88266-064-0 (1978-00-00)
  11. ? 11.011.111.2 Buchanan. R. A Weavers Garden. ()
  12. ? 12.012.112.212.312.412.5 Allardice.P. A - Z of Companion Planting. Cassell Publishers Ltd. ISBN 0-304-34324-2 (1993-00-00)
  13. ? 13.013.113.2 Genders. R. Scented Flora of the World. Robert Hale. London. ISBN 0-7090-5440-8 (1994-00-00)
  14. ? 14.014.114.214.314.4 Stuart. M. (Editor) The Encyclopedia of Herbs and Herbalism Orbis Publishing. London. ISBN 0-85613-067-2 (1979-00-00)
  15. ? 15.015.115.215.315.4 Huxley. A. The New RHS Dictionary of Gardening. 1992. MacMillan Press ISBN 0-333-47494-5 (1992-00-00)
  16. ? 16.016.116.2 Chevallier. A. The Encyclopedia of Medicinal Plants Dorling Kindersley. London ISBN 9-780751-303148 (1996-00-00)
  17. ? 17.017.117.2 Bown. D. Encyclopaedia of Herbs and their Uses. Dorling Kindersley, London. ISBN 0-7513-020-31 (1995-00-00)
  18. ? 18.018.1 Mills. S. Y. The Dictionary of Modern Herbalism. ()
  19. ? Rice. G. (Editor) Growing from Seed. Volume 2. Thompson and Morgan. (1988-00-00)
  20. ? 20.020.120.2 Bean. W. Trees and Shrubs Hardy in Great Britain. Vol 1 - 4 and Supplement. Murray (1981-00-00)
  21. ? 21.021.121.2 Thomas. G. S. Perennial Garden Plants J. M. Dent & Sons, London. ISBN 0 460 86048 8 (1990-00-00)
  22. ? Thomas. G. S. Ornamental Shrubs, Climbers and Bamboos. Murray ISBN 0-7195-5043-2 (1992-00-00)
  23. ? Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named PFAFimport-50

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Facts about "Artemisia abrotanum"RDF feed
Article is incompleteYes +
Article requires citationsNo +
Article requires cleanupYes +
Belongs to familyCompositae +
Belongs to genusArtemisia +
Functions asHedge +
Has common nameSouthernwood +
Has drought toleranceTolerant +
Has edible partUnknown part +
Has edible useSeasoning + and Tea +
Has environmental toleranceDrought +
Has fertility typeWind +
Has flowers of typeHermaphrodite +
Has hardiness zone4 +
Has imageArtemisia abrotanum - close-up 1 (aka).jpg +
Has lifecycle typePerennial +
Has material partUnknown part +
Has material useDye +, Essential +, Hair care +, Incense +, Pot-pourri + and Repellent +
Has mature height1.2 +
Has mature width1 +
Has medicinal partUnknown part +
Has medicinal useAnthelmintic +, Antiseptic +, Cholagogue +, Deobstruent +, Emmenagogue +, Stomachic + and Tonic +
Has primary imageArtemisia abrotanum - close-up 1 (aka).jpg +
Has search nameartemisia abrotanum + and x +
Has shade toleranceLight shade +
Has soil ph preferenceAcid +, Neutral + and Alkaline +
Has soil teclayture preferenceClay +
Has soil teloamyture preferenceLoamy +
Has soil tesandyture preferenceSandy +
Has soil water retention preferenceWell drained +
Has sun preferenceFull sun +
Has taxonomy nameArtemisia abrotanum +
Has water requirementsmoderate +
Is deciduous or evergreenDeciduous +
Is herbaceous or woodyWoody +
Is taxonomy typeSpecies +
Tolerates nutritionally poor soilNo +
Uses mature size measurement unitMeters +