Artemisia Abrotanum/Davana – Herb Plant

Artemisia abrotanum commonly known as “old man, boy’s love, oldman wormwood, lover’s plant, appleringie, garderobe, Our Lord’s wood, maid’s ruin, garden sagebrush, European sage, sitherwood and lemon plant.” Southernwood has a strong camphor like odour and was historically used as an air freshener, It forms a small bushy shrub which is widely cultivated by gardeners. The grey-green leaves are small, narrow and feathery. The small flowers are yellow. The volatile oil in the leaves is responsible for the strong, sharp, scent which repels moths and other insects. The pungent, scented leaves and flowers are used in herbal teas. Young shoots were used to flavor pastries and puddings. In Italy, it is used as a culinary herb.