Southernwood

Artemisia abrotanum

Deer resistant
Rabbit resistant
Drought tolerant
Fragrant foliage

Pet & Human Safety

People: Toxic to people (low severity)Pets: Toxic to pets

Hazardous parts

Bark, Flowers, Fruits, Leaves, Roots

Preparation

Not applicable; this is an ornamental plant.

Hazard type

Toxic if large quantities are eaten

Hazard route

NC State rates the poisoning risk as low and says the plant is toxic only if large quantities are eaten; the toxic compound it names is thujone. NC State says touching it does not cause skin irritation.

How complete this information is

The safety information on this page is partial. Where a source covers a point, it is shown; where none does, the page says so.

Toxic to pets

The pet verdict rests on ASPCA pages for other species of the same genus, read cautiously.

PlotAndPetal cannot tell you whether a plant you found can be eaten. Only someone who can see the plant can identify it.

Poison control

If someone has collapsed, cannot be woken, is having a seizure or has trouble breathing, call 911 now. For any other possible poisoning, call Poison Help: 1-800-222-1222.

Emergency number source: U.S. federal law (47 U.S.C. § 251(e)(3)), read 2026-10-07.

Naturalist Lore

Historical Background & Breeding Lore

The history of this plant and its name, and how it was bred, where we have them.

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Care

Hardiness zones: USDA zones 4 to 8 (NC State Extension); Iowa State gives zones 5 to 9.
Light: Full sun, 6 or more hours of direct sun a day (NC State); Iowa State says all artemisias want full sun.
Water needs: low
Mature size: 2 to 4 feet tall and 2 to 3 feet wide (NC State). Iowa State says up to 4 feet tall and 1.5 feet wide.
Where it comes from: Origin is disputed: the USDA Forest Service (FEIS) says it is thought native to the Mediterranean, uncertain after long cultivation; NC State says the Baltic States; Kew lists France, Spain and Italy.

Soil & Drainage

Pruning & Flush Rhythm

Feeding Schedule

How to prepare the soil, when and what to feed, and how and when to prune where that applies.

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