Attractive small bush with pungent, grey-green leaves. The whole plant deters insects and can therefore be used as general insect repellant. Should be cut back in winter and tolerates most climates.

Shrub. H:1m W:60cm. 12cm, 17cm.

Growth Characteristics:
• Attractive as a neatly clipped hedge and the silver leaves are stunning when reflected in moonlight.

Cultivation:
• Full sun; Well drained, composted soil.

Harvesting:
• Pick fresh leaves and flowers throughout the year.
• The leaves and roots produce a yellow natural plant dye for textiles.

Companion Planting:
• Vegetables and fruit:
• Deter onion and carrot fly with branches laid between onion and carrot rows.
• Grow near cabbage to deter cabbage moth, and near fruit trees to deter fruit tree moth.

• Pungently, aromatic leaves.
• Use in sachets to repel moths and fleas.
• Infuse to make a strong domestic disinfectant.
• Will help to retain fragrance in pot-pourris.
• Use soft silver foliage colour for bouquets, wreaths and tussie-mussies.

Southernwood may be beneficial in the following cases:

General
• Taken internally and applied topically to stimulate hair growth.
• Infuse as a tea for a general tonic.

Liver
• Improves Liver function.

Digestive system
• Poor appetite and digestion.
• Threadworm in children.

Reproductive System
• Delayed or painful menstruation

• WARNING: DO NOT TAKE WHEN PREGNANT

Preparation and dosage:
TEA:
• 2 cups per day.
• Only use consecutively for up to 2 weeks, give a break of a week before resuming.

• The leaves make one of the best natural fish moth and mosquito repellant.
• Hang bunches of leaves in a chicken coop to deter fleas, lice, and flies.
• Ants: Chopped and sprinkled around holes, or a strong infusion poured into holes.