African Wormwood
Artemisia afra
Also known as
Wild Wormwood, Wilde-Als (Afr.), Zengana
Full Sun
Easy care
Light watering
Tender
8a-11b
USDA zone
-12°C
Minimum temperature
Expected size
Height | Spread | |
|---|---|---|
2m | Max | 1.5m |
1m | Min | 50cm |
Flowering
-
spring
-
summer
-
autumn
-
winter
This plant has a mild fragrance
More images of African Wormwood
African Wormwood Overview
African wormwood is an easy to grow perennial plant with attractive silver-grey foliage. The plant is used extensively as a medicinal plant in Southern Africa. The plants release a strong, sticky sweet smell when touched or cut. It is popular as dewormer that leads to the common name and is widely used medicinally, even for malaria. ZA Distribution: Eastern Cape, Free State, Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal, Limpopo, North West, Northern Cape, Western Cape.
Common problems with African Wormwood
No serious pests or diseases have been recorded.
How to harvest African Wormwood
Leaves can be harvested twice in one season, in midsummer and late summer or early autumn or pick as needed. When harvesting for essential oil - cut off the upper green foliage or the flower tops which have a higher oil yield and superior quality. Harvest from beginning to mid-flowering time.
How to propagate African Wormwood
Cuttings
Root or stem cuttings root easily in Spring and Summer. Take 10 cm cuttings, trim off excess leaves at the base and plant cuttings half of the length into a prepared tray or seedbed and keep moist.
Seed
Direct sow seeds 5 mm deep in spring or summer.
Special features of African Wormwood
Repels harmful insects
Can be used in insect-repelling sprays and teas to repel fleas, moths and ants. Leaves placed near brassicas will deter caterpillars.
Drought resistant
African Wormwood is relatively drought tolerant.
