Artemesia abrotanum

A woody perennial shrub with gray-green feathery leaves which, when crushed, have a lemon scent. It sometimes produces small yellow flowers. It thrives in light, well drained soil in a sunny position and will grow to a height of 3 ft if cut back each spring. It is a good plant for container growing.

With the exception of Italian cuisine, southernwood is rarely used for culinary purposes, although a tisane can be made from its leaves. It represents the virtue of fidelity and was often included in country bouquets given to sweethearts.

Country names for southernwood include lad´s love, boy´s love and old man.

Uses: When dried, the feathery leaves can be added to line sachets as they will keep away moths.

Medicinal: Southernwood is said to ward off infection and was once widely used as an antiseptic. A hair tonic including southernwood was said to cure baldness, while an ointment made with its ashes was reputed to encourage the growth of a beard.