Southernwood (Artemisia abrotanum)

Hardy, evergreen herb
Description: Light to medium green, highly aromatic foliage is deeply divided into very fine, thread-like segments
Habit: Shrubby plants grow 3-4 feet tall; responds well to pruning in early summer for a full, bushy appearance
Culture: Prefers average to dry, well-drained soil and full sun
Hardiness: Cold hardy to USDA Zone 5
Origin: Europe
Attributes: Fragrant foliage, Drought tolerant, Deer resistant
Jefferson Documented

Southernwood, like many of the British and European Artemisias, was used as a "strewing herb" in earlier times to ward off insects and offensive smells. According to Fearing Burr, in Field and Garden Vegetables of America (1863), "an infusion of the leaves and tops...is used as a vermifuge, tonic, and stomachic, and the leaves are found to be beneficial to poultry". Today, many find this southern European native to be highly desirable for its fine texture and citrus or camphor-like fragrance. Thomas Jefferson included Southernwood on a list of "Objects for the garden" at Monticello in 1794.

Arrives in a 2.5" pot.