African wormwood (wilde-als, umhlonyane) Artemisia afra
African wormwood (wilde-als, umhlonyane) (Artemisia afra) is an evergreen perennial herb in the Asteraceae family, native to Eastern and southern Africa, from Ethiopia to the Western Cape. It grows 60 cm–2 m (24 in–6.6 ft) tall and 60 cm–1 m (24 in–3.3 ft) wide, wants full sun and low water, and is hardy to about -8 °C (18 °F). Space plants about 80 cm (31 in) apart.
Plan African wormwood (wilde-als, umhlonyane) in your garden →
Free. Draw your beds, then watch it grow through the year in 2D and 3D.
African wormwood (wilde-als, umhlonyane) at a glance
| Type | Perennial herb, evergreen |
|---|---|
| Family | Asteraceae |
| Mature height | 60 cm–2 m (24 in–6.6 ft) |
| Mature spread | 60 cm–1 m (24 in–3.3 ft) |
| Spacing | 80 cm (31 in) centre to centre |
| Sun | Full sun, at least 6 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Low; drought tolerance high, waterlogging tolerance none |
| Soil pH | 5.5–8 |
| Cold hardiness | About -8 °C (18 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 8) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 38 °C (100 °F) |
| Flowering | from about July for 6–10 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones) |
| Wind tolerance | Moderate |
| Pollinator value | Low |
| Edible | Not grown as food |
| Native to | Eastern and southern Africa, from Ethiopia to the Western Cape |
| Common in gardens of | 🇿🇦 South Africa, 🇰🇪 Kenya, 🇪🇹 Ethiopia |
Is African wormwood (wilde-als, umhlonyane) toxic?
- People: moderately toxic
- Cats: mildly toxic
- Dogs: mildly toxic
- Parts: leaves, essential oil
Contains thujone and camphor; strong preparations and the oil are toxic (as with other wormwoods). Not for pregnancy, children or pets.
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with African wormwood (wilde-als, umhlonyane)
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like full sun and low water.
Questions about African wormwood (wilde-als, umhlonyane)
- How far apart should I plant African wormwood (wilde-als, umhlonyane)?
- About 80 cm (31 in) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 60 cm–1 m (24 in–3.3 ft).
- Does African wormwood (wilde-als, umhlonyane) need full sun?
- Full sun: at least 6 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does African wormwood (wilde-als, umhlonyane) need?
- Low water. Drought tolerance is high and waterlogging tolerance none.
- How cold-hardy is African wormwood (wilde-als, umhlonyane)?
- It tolerates about -8 °C (18 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 8.
- When does African wormwood (wilde-als, umhlonyane) flower?
- From about July for 6–10 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones).
- Is African wormwood (wilde-als, umhlonyane) poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is mildly toxic; for dogs mildly toxic; for people moderately toxic. Contains thujone and camphor; strong preparations and the oil are toxic (as with other wormwoods). Not for pregnancy, children or pets.
- What grows well with African wormwood (wilde-als, umhlonyane)?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for African wormwood (wilde-als, umhlonyane). Group it with plants that like the same sun (full sun) and water (low).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade B (B: extension service or peer-reviewed).
- Plants of the World Online (taxonomy, native range), Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
- PlantZAfrica, South African National Biodiversity Institute
- PROTA4U: Plant Resources of Tropical Africa, PROTA Foundation, Wageningen
Notes and assumptions
- One of the oldest and most widely used traditional medicines of southern Africa (history, not medical advice). A soft, feathery grey shrub with a strong sage-like smell; a good fast screen or hedge in dry gardens. Cut back hard in late winter.
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
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