Southernwood was one of the first herbs I grew. I was drawn to its soft feathery leaves and crisp lemony fragrance. This artemisia does not get any flowers that I've noticed (perhaps they are just really tiny), and is a shrub form. For me, it tops out at about 3'. I have a difficult time with all artemisias (I think they prefer a more alkaline soil than I have), and this one is no different. I have a difficult time figuring out how/when to prune southernwood. Sometimes I will lose a whole side of the plant over the winter, resulting in a lopsided plant. My usual strategy is to cut it back pretty hard once it has broken dormancy in spring and hope for the best.

I grow this in the repellent section of my herb garden, and make up muslim bags filled with the dried herb to put in my clothing drawers to repel moths. When I think of it, I also just hang some in my closet fresh and let it dry there. Nice clean fragrance.

I've read that one can spread the foliage among carrots and cabbages to repel pests, but have not tried that.

Edited to add: Please remember to go to the main database entry and update as much information as you can to 'grow' our database. And also add a comment.

Per folklore, it protects against the plague, increases potency, and will put hair back on a bald head. I seriously doubt that, although having a bald husband, perhaps I'll give it a whirl. He will no doubt wonder why I'm rubbing his noggin with greenery, but he's seen worse...

CAUTION: Pregnant women should not use this herb due to its astringent nature.

I'm not familiar with this herb so I'm reading about it.
Another caution us do do use for children.
Deb if you try it on your husband's noggin please let us know how it works.
I am currently interested in all herbs that strengthens and promotes hair growth.
What I use now works but I like to give herbs a break so try different ones.

Another common name is Old Man so maybe there is some truth to the hair loss aspect. I never put the two together. Hmmm.

It is said the common names of a plant usually indicates what it might be useful for.

Thank you for the information on the plant
I have not grown this but , would like to ask does it have a spreading habit like other artemisias?
Unfortunately they like my place all to well and so I have steered clear of most in that family

Cinda, thanks for the nuts! This plant does not spread at all for me - it is more of a woody shrub and although I assume it gets flowers, I've never noticed any and have not had it reseed at all. I have had fairly good luck starting new ones from cuttings. If artemesias grow well for you, this would be a great one to try. The fragrance is really delightful, and the foliage is a soft grayish-green so would fit in well in just about any sunny spot. I've read it can get up to 5' tall, but mine have never topped 3'. Another good use is to add sprigs to floral bouquets for both fragrance and contrast.

Thanks for the info
I don't see that plant around here , but may give it a try if I happen across one.

I had that for a few years! Got it at a swap. Eventually it died...don't remember if it was winter or summer that killed it. Don't remember mine blooming either!

This herb is said to repel fleas too.

Oh...maybe I should get another one! Anything that repels fleas is worth having!