WORMWOOD. 565 



pale green above, and hoary beneath ; the flowers are small, 

 numerous, pale yellow ; the seeds are quite small, and retain 

 their powers of germination two years. 



The leaves, when bruised, have a strong, somewhat pun- 

 gent, yet aromatic odor, and are proverbial for their intense 

 bitterness. 



This species somewhat resembles the fore- Roman 



"Wormwood, 

 going ; but the roots are smaller, less woody, ARTEMESIA FON- 



and more fibrous, and the stalks are shorter 

 and more slender ; the leaves are smaller, more finely cut, or 

 divided, pale green above, and hoary on the under surface, 

 like those of the Common Wormwood ; the flowers, which 

 are produced on the upper branches, are small, and of a pale 

 yellow color ; the seeds are similar to those of the above spe- 

 cies, and retain their vitality two years. 



It is generally preferred to the Common Wormwood for 

 medicinal purposes, as the taste is more agreeable, and its 

 odor less pungent. 



Indigenous to Great Britain, and common to Sea Worm- 

 the sea-coast of Holland and the low countries ARTEMKSIA MAHI- 



TIMA. 



of Europe. Roots creeping, tough, and fibrous ; 

 stalks two or three feet high, and, like the roots, tough and 

 woody ; leaves numerous, long, narrow, and hoary ; flowers 

 yellow, produced on the small branches towards the top of 

 the plant ; seeds similar to those of the Common Worm- 

 wood. 



The leaves are somewhat bitter to the taste, and, when 

 bruised, emit a strong, pleasant, aromatic odor. 



Soil and Cultivation. All of the species are hardy, aro- 

 matic perennials ; and, though they will thrive in almost any 

 soil, their properties are best developed in that which is warm, 

 dry, and light. They are generally propagated, as other 

 48 



