Common Name: Glacier Wormwood

General Information

Artemisia glacialis is a herbaceous, perennial plant producing a densely tufted mat of growth up to 18cm tall[].
The plant is commonly used as a flavouring in wines and liqueurs and is also used medicinally. It is commonly harvested from the wild for local use and for trade. The plant is grown as an ornamental in gardens.

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

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Range

C. Europe - southwestern Alps.

Habitat

Exposed rocky slopes in the Alps[]. Schistose rocks and screes, at elevations from 2,000 - 3,100 metres[].

Properties

Edibility Rating
Medicinal Rating
Habit	Perennial
Height	0.18 m
Pollinators	Insects
Cultivation Status	Ornamental, Wild

Cultivation Details

Requires a very well-drained light or medium soil and a sunny position[]. Very intolerant of winter wet[]. Established plants are drought tolerant[]. Plants are longer lived, more hardy and more aromatic when they are grown in a poor dry soil[].
Indiscriminate collection of this plant from the wild has made it an endangered species[].
Members of this genus are rarely if ever troubled by browsing deer[].

Edible Uses

The herb is used as a flavouring in vermouth and liqueurs[].

Medicinal

Glacier wormwood has similar medicinal properties to common wormwood, Artemisia absinthum[]. It is used locally where it grows wild. The whole plant is digestive, expectorant, sedative and stomachic[]. An infusion of the herb has a marked effect upon mountain sickness[]. A poultice of the plant is used as a first-aid remedy in the treatment of wounds[].

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 about10 - 15cm long, pot up in a lightly shaded position in a greenhouse or cold frame and plant them out when well rooted. Very easy.