Biennial Wormwood
Artemisia biennisfam. Asteraceae
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Pl. 14C5 — Artemisia biennis
Artemisia biennisArtemisia biennisArtemisia biennisArtemisia biennisArtemisia biennisArtemisia biennisArtemisia biennisArtemisia biennisArtemisia biennisArtemisia biennisArtemisia biennisArtemisia biennisArtemisia biennisArtemisia biennis
IOverview
Overview
Biennial Wormwood (Artemisia biennis) is a hardy herb native to the western and northwestern regions of North America, including Alaska, Alberta, Arizona, British Columbia, California, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon, Utah, Washington, Wyoming, and Yukon. This plant is known for its edible and medicinal properties, making it a valuable resource in both culinary and traditional medicine contexts. One distinctive feature of Biennial Wormwood is its light, airy habit, which can reach up to 1 meter in height. It thrives in well-drained soils with a pH between 7 and 7.5, preferring sandy or medium-textured soil conditions. Its light requirement is moderate, making it adaptable to various habitats within its native range.
Quick answers
What is Biennial Wormwood?
Biennial Wormwood (Artemisia biennis) is a hardy herb native to the western and northwestern regions of North America, including Alaska, Alberta, Arizona, British Columbia, California, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon, Utah, Washington, Wyoming, and Yukon.
IV·bMixology suggestions
1 draft
Mixology suggestions
1 draftEditorial drafts. These pairings are AI-suggested from traditional herbal lore. Always verify with a qualified herbalist before brewing.
Wormwood and Sage
digestiontincture
Traditional use for digestive issues.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Biennial Wormwood thrives in well-draining soils with a pH between 7 and 7.5, preferring light (sandy) to medium textures. It requires dry to moist conditions and prefers full sun to partial shade. This forb/herb grows up to 1 meter tall and is hardy in temperate regions. For propagation, sow seeds directly into the garden bed after all danger of frost has passed. Harvest edible parts from seed. While it can tolerate a range of environments, ensure good drainage to prevent root rot.
Light
8/10
Water
Dry, Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium
Life cycle
Annual, Biennial
Habit
Forb/herb
Mature size
1.0 m tall
Soil pH
7–7.5
For first-time growers
How to grow Biennial Wormwood for the first time
8steps
Start with Biennial Wormwood as a simple, low-maintenance addition to your garden.
- 1
What you'll need
Seeds or seedlings, a small trowel, and a watering can.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant in early spring after the last frost or as late as mid-summer for fall germination.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Choose a well-draining soil with a pH between 7 and 7.5, and prepare by mixing in some compost.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Direct sow seeds 1 cm deep and about 30 cm apart, or transplant seedlings into the garden after they have grown their second set of leaves.
- 5
First two weeks
Water regularly to keep soil moist but not waterlogged. Monitor for pests and diseases.
- 6
Ongoing care
Provide light watering during dry spells, and mulch around the base to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune back after flowering to encourage new growth and maintain a neat appearance.
- 8
Common mistakes
Overwatering, planting in heavy soil, neglecting to mulch, and not providing enough light.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:Seed
Edible uses: The biennial wormwood is edible and its seeds can be consumed. Typically, the seeds are dried before use, though exact preparation methods are not specified in the given data. They may be ground into a powder or used whole in various culinary applications.
Other uses:Pest control
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
16 native · 14 introduced
Distribution
16 native · 14 introducedDistribution across2 continents· 16 native· 14 introduced
Europe6 regions
introduced (6)BelgiumDenmarkFinlandFranceGermanyUnited Kingdom
Americas1 region
native (1)United States
Broader regions
native:Alberta, Wyoming, Nevada, Idaho, Yukon, British Columbia, California, Oregon, Northwest Territorie, Montana, Arizona, New Mexico, Colorado, Utah, Washington
introduced:Manitoba, Maine, Kentucky, Illinois, Kansas, Czechoslovakia, Iowa, Indiana
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXSee also
8 related
See also
8 relatedPlants you might compare or use together — scored by shared family (Asteraceae), common use cases, and growing requirements.
same family · Asteraceae
Botanical relatives — often share phytochemistry + growing needs.
XI
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