Biennial Wormwood
Artemisia biennis
Last reviewed: June 2026
Light
full sun
Water
low
Size
12"–48" H × 6"–24" W
Bloom
Jul, Aug, Sep
Native to
AZ, CA, CO, ID and 8 more states
Pollinators
bees, beetles
Browse plants for this ecoregion
Biennial wormwood is a tall, upright native forb with silvery-green foliage and small greenish flower clusters. This drought-tolerant plant completes its lifecycle in two years, forming a rosette the first year and flowering the second before setting seed.
In an HOA neighborhood
Biennial Wormwood takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: low. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.
Works well in: backyard only.
- Looks weedy and unkempt to most HOAs
- Self-seeds unpredictably
- Dies back completely after second year
Wildlife value
The summer blooms provide nectar for bees and beetles. As a native plant, it supports local insect populations and food webs.
Common questions
- How much sun does Biennial Wormwood need?
- Biennial Wormwood grows best in full sun conditions.
- When does Biennial Wormwood bloom?
- Biennial Wormwood blooms in July, August, and September.
- Where is Biennial Wormwood native?
- Biennial Wormwood (Artemisia biennis) is native to AZ, CA, CO, ID and 8 more states, per the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists.
- What pollinators does Biennial Wormwood attract?
- Biennial Wormwood draws bees and beetles.
- Is Biennial Wormwood HOA-friendly?
- Biennial Wormwood takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.
Native range data from the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.
Ready to grow Biennial Wormwood? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.
Not sure where to start? Take the 2-minute yard quiz