The distinct grey foliage of this plant makes it stand out in the grassland. The pleasant aromaticity of the crushed leaves led to it being used as a medicinal herb. It was believed to be useful for expelling worms for the intestines hence the name but has more often been used to reduce gastric pain and to help during childbirth.

It is also used in the brewing of the aniseed based spirit, Absinth.

Common in England and Wales, records diminish in Scotland and Ireland where is scarce.

Great Orme grasslands, 5th September 2004

Added on September 5th 2004, spelling corrected 22 03 06, updated 13th Oct 08, updated 27th Feb 2010