Description
Roman Wormwood
Botanical Name: Artemesia pontica
Roman Wormwood is quite a low growing plant to a height of 60cm with a spread of 60 wide. Some reports indicate that it may grow higher and spread wider. However, it is a clump forming plant that manages to have a relatively compact appearance, while spreading in width. The grey-green leaves have fine white hairs on the top and underside, giving a soft woolly and sometimes white appearance to the plant. The leaves are linear and pinnate with a finer appearance than common wormwood, with a delicate menthol aroma. The many small yellow green flowers appear in mid-summer, but are relatively insignificant.
Roman Wormwood is native to Southern Europe and the name ‘pontica’ comes from the historical Greek name for a location near the Black Sea on the northern coast of Turkey. References to Roman Wormwood go back as far as 1600BC. Artemisia pontica may sometimes be confused with Ambrosia artemisiifolia. This plant is the North American perennial Common Ragweed, but is also sometimes called Roman Wormwood.
Growing Conditions
Roman Wormwood is a hardy plant, like most of the woody perennials found in the Artemisia genus. It prefers full sun, but will accept part shade. It is tolerant of a wide range of soils and pH levels, including clay and sandy soils. Once established it is quite drought tolerant and like other wormwoods wet soils should be avoided. In cold regions this Roman Wormwood will be deciduous, but should return in spring. In warm winter regions, where there is no frost, the plant should remain evergreen.
It is considered to be quite a fast growing groundcover plant, so it may need to be trimmed or divided to contain the spread if it grows too big. Roman Wormwood can be grown in a container, where it does quite well. This plant has insignificant flowers and is usually propagated by cuttings or division.
Medicinal Uses
Artemisia pontica is considered to be one of the three most common wormwoods and has a tradition of medicinal use. Roman Wormwood was used in medieval times as an excellent stomach ‘strengthener’, and to protect the liver and spleen from blockages. The fresh tops of the plant may be used medicinally. It is worth noting that the taste of this wormwood is less bitter, which indicates a less potent dose of the active constituents. This also equates to a less toxic dose overall. Further information on the modern use of wormwoods in herbal medicine may be found under Common Wormwood.
This plant is one of two wormwoods that produce thujone which may be toxic in high doses. The other plant is Artemisia absinthium, but thujone is also found in other common plants and herbs including Oregano, Common Sage, Mugwort, Tansyand Common Wormwood.
Culinary Uses
Roman Wormwood has a milder and more delicate flavour and aroma than other wormwoods. It may be used as food flavouring, but it is well known for its contribution to the drink Vermouth.
A Note on the Wormwoods
Wormwood is the common name for many plants in the Artemisia genus, which has from 200-400 named species. Each species quite likely also has many synonyms. In many cases, the name wormwood is used interchangeably with mugwort, although they are two separate species. When looking for a specific plant, be sure to check for the scientific name so you can have some certainty.
The wormwoods are hardy, woody perennials that remain evergreen during warm winters. In colder regions they generally return in spring when the seasons change. Most are very hardy, having originated in arid or semi-arid regions with poor soils and limited moisture. Some of the plants in this genus do have greenish foliage, but many have silver - grey - white foliage and these are highly prized ornamental plants. They usually have insignificant flowers and many hybrids do not produce viable seed. Most are best propagated by cuttings.
The name Artemisia is from Ancient Greek used in Hellenistic cultures, where the Goddess Artemis was the goddess of the hunt, protector of the forest and children. Artemis was also a protector of women, particularly those experiencing childbirth. The goddess Artemis was also said to be the goddess of the herbalist. The term wormwood is from the Middle English wormwode or wermode, which was attributed to the plants antihelminthic attributes in helping to expel worms from the body.
Plants such as wormwood, mugwort and sagebrush are all known for their high essential oil content. All are well known, with a long tradition in magic and folklore, where they are used for both their natural and supernatural properties. In old times, hanging Artemisia on the door was a sign that a midwife or herbalist was in residence.
