common wormwood
.jpg?w=1024)
.jpg?w=1024)
Native to the beaches of northeastern Asia and extreme northwestern North America, the common wormwood is a perennial that has spread throughout the northern hemisphere. It propagates via underground rhizomes and commonly thrives in uncultivated open sites. It's leaves are among the earliest to emerge in early spring at Salter Grove along the edge of lawns throughout the park.
The dried leaves and roots of common wormwood were used to keep moths from damaging stored woolen clothing. It was also used to flavor beers and ales before hops became more popular. Despite the potential danger of pain and spasms caused by overdosing, it has been use to treat an amazing number of ailments: epilepsy and hysteria, infestation of worms in the digestive system, liver problems, swollen tonsils, and bruises.