Russian Wormwood
Artemisia gmeliniifam. Asteraceae
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Pl. 5FE4 — Artemisia gmelinii
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IOverview
Overview
Russian Wormwood (Artemisia gmelinii) is a perennial plant belonging to the Asteraceae family and is native to regions including Altay, Amur, Buryatiya, China North-Central, and other parts of Asia such as Mongolia, Korea, and Pakistan. This hardy plant thrives in full sun and can tolerate both dry and moist conditions, making it adaptable to various soil types from light (sandy) to heavy (clay). Known for its edible leaves and documented medicinal uses, Russian Wormwood is valued not only for culinary purposes but also for traditional remedies. One distinctive feature of this plant is its ability to grow up to 1.5 meters in height, contributing to its ornamental appeal while also serving practical functions in the garden or landscape.
Quick answers
What is Russian Wormwood?
Russian Wormwood (Artemisia gmelinii) is a perennial plant belonging to the Asteraceae family and is native to regions including Altay, Amur, Buryatiya, China North-Central, and other parts of Asia such as Mongolia, Korea, and Pakistan.
IV·bMixology suggestions
2 drafts
Mixology suggestions
2 draftsEditorial drafts. These pairings are AI-suggested from traditional herbal lore. Always verify with a qualified herbalist before brewing.
Stress Relief
stresstincture
Historically used for calming the mind and reducing anxiety.
Digestive Comfort
digestiondecoction
Traditionally used to soothe digestive issues and promote overall gut health.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Russian Wormwood thrives in full sun and can tolerate both dry and moist conditions. It prefers light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay) soils but adapts well to various soil types. This perennial is hardy in zones 3-7 and grows up to 1.5 meters tall. For propagation, gardeners can use seeds or divide established plants. Harvest the leaves for culinary uses during the growing season.
Light
Full sun
Water
Dry, Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Hardiness
3-7
Life cycle
Perennial
Mature size
1.5 m tall
For first-time growers
How to grow Russian Wormwood for the first time
8steps
Start with planting Russian Wormwood in a sunny spot and follow these simple steps for success.
- 1
What you'll need
Russian Wormwood plants or seeds, garden soil, containers if starting indoors.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant outdoors after the last frost in spring or start seeds indoors 4-6 weeks before the last frost.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Prepare well-draining soil with a mix of light, medium, and heavy soils. Ensure containers have drainage holes.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Direct sow seeds 1 cm deep in the garden or start seeds indoors at 20-25°C (68-77°F). Transplant seedlings outdoors after danger of frost passes.
- 5
First two weeks
Water regularly to keep soil moist but not waterlogged. Monitor for pests and diseases, treating if necessary.
- 6
Ongoing care
Provide full sun exposure and regular watering during dry spells. Fertilize sparingly with compost or organic matter once a year.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune in late winter to early spring to encourage new growth and maintain shape. Harvest leaves as needed for culinary use.
- 8
Common mistakes
Overwatering, planting in heavy clay soil without drainage, neglecting to prune regularly.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:Leaves
Edible uses: The leaves of Russian Wormwood are edible and can be used fresh or dried. They are typically prepared by either eating them raw in salads or cooking them as a vegetable. SKIP
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
30 native · 0 introduced
Distribution
30 native · 0 introducedDistribution across2 continents· 30 native
Europe1 region
native (1)Russia
Asia7 regions
native (7)ChinaJapanKazakhstanMongoliaNepalPakistanSouth Korea
Broader regions
native:Amur, Buryatiya, Chita, Irkutsk, Khabarovsk, Kirgizstan, Krasnoyarsk, Kuril Is., Primorye, Sakhalin, Tadzhikistan, Tuva, West Himalaya, Yakutskiya, Altay
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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Companion planting
Compare with similar plants
Growing zone
XII
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