Wormwood (Artemisia absinthium) is a hardy perennial herb known for its intense bitterness and distinctive aromatic foliage. It has a long history of use, ranging from ancient medicine to the creation of the spirit absinthe. Locating wormwood requires understanding both its preferred wild habitats and the commercial pathways through which it is sold.
Where Wormwood Grows Naturally
Artemisia absinthium is native to the temperate regions of Eurasia and North Africa. It has since become widely naturalized across much of North America, where it can be found growing without cultivation. This perennial plant thrives in conditions that many other species find challenging, preferring full sun exposure.
Wormwood prefers poor, well-drained, dry ground, often tolerating slightly alkaline or chalky soils. Its resilience allows it to colonize disturbed sites such as roadsides, railway embankments, abandoned fields, and waste areas. The plant’s deep taproot helps it survive in these drier environments with low nutrient availability.
Identifying the Plant
Recognizing wormwood in the wild is possible through a few distinctive physical characteristics, particularly its color and leaf structure. The plant grows as a bushy, herbaceous perennial, typically reaching three to five feet tall. Fine, silky hairs cover the stems and leaves, giving the entire plant a striking silvery-gray or light green-gray appearance.
The leaves are deeply divided or pinnately cut, resulting in a lacy, feathery texture. When crushed, the foliage releases a strong, aromatic scent, often described as similar to sage. During summer and early autumn, the plant produces small, inconspicuous, yellowish-green flowers clustered in spherical, nodding heads.
Commercial Availability and Sourcing
Wormwood is readily available through several commercial sources for those who prefer not to forage. Dried wormwood herb (cut and sifted loose leaf or powder) is commonly sold through online specialty shops and dedicated herbal apothecaries. These retailers supply individuals seeking the herb for teas, tinctures, or traditional preparations.
Seeds and live plants are accessible for gardeners wishing to cultivate their own supply. Specialized seed catalogs and online marketplaces offer Artemisia absinthium seeds, which require light to germinate and should be surface-sown. Live plant starts or cuttings can also be purchased from local nurseries or online plant vendors for immediate planting.
Acquisition methods are often influenced by the intended use, as wormwood is associated with absinthe production. While the dried herb and seeds are widely available, consumers should note that the plant’s use in commercial food and beverage products may be subject to local regulations. Wormwood is generally easy to source through established channels that supply both home gardeners and herbalists.