Roman Wormwood (Ambrosia artemesiifolia)

At a glance

Lifecycle
Annual
Exposure
Full sun

Cultivation

We have very little information on this species but suggest growing it in a sunny position in a well-drained soil. It has been suggested for commercial cultivation.

Propagation

Seed - we have no details for this species but suggest sowing the seed in situ in April.

Edible uses

An oil is obtained from the seed. It has been suggested for edible purposes because it contains little linolenic acid.

Medicinal uses

The leaves are very astringent, emetic and febrifuge. Juice from the wilted leaves is disinfectant and is applied to infected toes. A tea made from the roots is used in the treatment of menstrual disorders and stroke. The pollen is harvested commercially and manufactured into pharmaceutical preparations for the treatment of allergies to the plant.

Habitat

Waste places in Western N. America.

Native range

N. America - British Columbia to Nova Scotia and Florida. Locally established casual in Britain.

Same genus