Artemisia annua – Known for its airy, fern-like foliage and fresh, camphor scent, Sweet Wormwood is an aromatic annual herb long valued in traditional Asian and folk herbal medicine. In late summer, it sends up delicate yellow blooms, adding soft texture and subtle beauty to garden beds. Though not a primary pollinator plant, its strong scent helps deter pests like mosquitoes and whiteflies, and its feathery foliage provides gentle shelter for beneficial insects. Historically used to support digestion, reduce fever, and promote liver health, it’s a quiet yet powerful addition to medicinal gardens. In favorable conditions, it readily self-sows—so while the original plant dies after one growing season, new plants may pop up the following year, giving the impression of it behaving like a short-lived perennial.

Space plants about 12–18 inches apart.

Tip: Add Sweet Wormwood to the back of herb beds or native borders for height and softness—it plays beautifully with bold bloomers and acts as a natural pest guardian.