Reproduces primarily through seed production, but can also spread by short roots. The plant is a prolific seed producer with seedlings emerging anytime from late spring to early fall. Seeds may remain viable for 3 to 4 years.

Where does it grow?

The plant can be found in both dry and moist soils. Absinth wormwood is generally found on dry soils in pastures, cropland, farmsteads, shelterbelts, roadsides, fence rows, and waste areas.

What is the distribution in Washington State?

• If you think you may have seen this weed, please contact your county weed coordinator or us at noxiousweeds@agr.wa.gov.
• Distribution map not available at this time.

How do I control it?

General control methods:

Cultural: Management should include proper grazing and rotational grazing techniques that would maintain rangelands and prevent invasion of the plant. Disturbed areas should be re-seeded with desirable species to prevent spread of absinth wormwood.

Herbicide: Please refer to the PNW Weed Management Handbook, or contact your county noxious weed coordinator.

Mechanical: Tillage can prevent establishment of absinth wormwood in crop production areas. Mowing may prevent seed production if mowed several times throughout the growing season, but mowing may be difficult in fence rows or rocky areas. Burning may not be an effective control method for absinth wormwood as infestations are not reduced and may increase.

Biological: None know.

Are there plants that may be confused with (name of weed)?

Absinthe wormwood should not be confused with so-called "common wormwood", which is another name for mugwort.

For more information

• For Invasive.org's fact sheet on absinth wormwood click here