Common Name:

General Information

Artemisia pontica is an aromatic, herbaceous, perennial plant with stems that can become more or less woody, at least at the base; it can grow up to 80cm tall. forming a cluster of much-branched stems from a rhizomatous rootstock[, ].
This species is one of several members in the genus that are used as flavourings in wines and liqueurs. It is commonly harvested from the wild for this purpose and is also used locally for medicinal purposes. It is often grown as an ornamental, valued especially for its fragrant, finely-cut, silver-grey leaves[].

Known Hazards

Although we have seen no specific reports for this species, many members of this genus contain potentially allergenic sesquiterpene lactones that can cause skin reactions[].

Botanical References

Range

Eastern and central Europe - Poland to Bulgaria and Ukraine, through northern Caucasus to Kazakhstan, Siberia and western China

Habitat

Rocky slopes, dry valleys, steppes, hills; at low to middle elevations in western China[].

Properties

Edibility Rating
Medicinal Rating
Habit	Perennial
Height	0.60 m
Cultivation Status	Ornamental, Wild

Cultivation Details

Species in this genus are generally easily grown, succeeding in a well-drained circumneutral or slightly alkaline loamy soil, preferring a sunny position[, ]. They tend to be longer lived, more hardy and more aromatic when they are grown in a poor dry soil[].
Established plants are drought tolerant.
Members of this genus are rarely if ever troubled by browsing deer[].

Edible Uses

The flowering stem is used as a bitter, aromatic flavouring in wines and various liqueurs, including 'Genipi'[, ].

Medicinal

The flowering stems are used as a bitter, aromatic tonic for the digestive system[].

Other Uses

None known

Propagation

Seed - surface sow from late winter to early summer in a greenhouse, making sure that the compost does not dry out[]. When large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in the greenhouse for their first winter. Plant out in late spring or early summer.
Division in spring or autumn[].
Basal cuttings in late spring. Harvest the young shoots when about 10 - 15cm long, pot up in a lightly shaded position in a greenhouse or cold frame and plant them out when well rooted. Very easy.