Herbs > Southernwood Herb

Information on, uses of and how to grow southernwood:

Name
Artemisia abrotanum.

Family
Compositae.

History
Traditionally Southernwood was used as a stimulant and antiseptic. It was an old remedy for baldness.

Growing pattern
Perennial.

Seeds
Buy Herb Seeds (Organic and Non-Organic) from The Green Chronicle (Pay in $US, £, Euro).
Herbs, Seasonings and Spices - Buy Organic Herbs and Spices from Mountain Rose Herbs ($US).

How to grow
Southernwood is best propagated by root division in the autumn. Take cuttings of about 15cm and put them 9cm deep in sand. Layering also works. It is suitable for container growing.

Soil condition/position
A sunny, shelter spot is best. Well drained good garden soil is suitable for Southernwood.

Appearance
This is a woody shrub with hair-like grey/green leaves which smell of lemon. Its tiny yellow flowers are rarely seen in temperate climates.

Uses
Tea made from Southernwood needs to be sweetened with honey and the leaves can be bitter. Dried leaves put into a muslin bag will keep away moths. the leaves are also very pretty for flower arrangements.