Composite Jfamll^. 



Wormwood, Artemisia Absinthium. 



Found during July and August along roads and lanes. 



The stalk grows from 2 to 3 feet high, and is branching, and 

 shrubby ; its fibre is strong, it is slightly grooved, and silky to the 

 touch. Ill color silvery green. 



The rather small leaf is often divided to the midrib, the divisions 

 being long and narrow ; the surface is smooth, with fine silky hairs. 

 Color, silvery green. The leaves are set upon the stalk in clusters, alter- 

 nately ; they have an aromatic scent. 



The flowers are very minute, of a pale yellowish-green color, and 

 clustered in small hemispherical heads, in pale green cups ; their heads, 

 nodding along the sides of the slender branchlets, form long terminal 

 spires. 



This Artemisia, though escaped from the garden, has taken most 

 kindly and naturally to the common road, where its light silvery sheen 

 renders it quite distinct from the surrounding growths. It has an agree- 

 able pungent odor, resembling that of the Chrysanthemum, though much 

 stronger, and it is very bitter to the taste. 



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