Sweet Annie Wormwood

(Sweet annie; Qing-guo) A modern medical star! This Chinese antimalarial herb is our last line of defense in parts of the world where the malaria parasite has become resistant to all other drugs. Has been cultivated in China for at least 2000 years, but its development as an antimalarial drug, using its leaf extract, was recent and was honoured with a Nobel Prize in 2015. Interestingly enough, its isolated constituents show promise as an anticancer agent as well. Can be prepared as a topical ointment and tincture. Characterized by dark green, tall, fern-like leaves and white flowers that bloom late summer to early fall. Its highly aromatic branches are also used in dried floral arrangements and to make scented wreaths. Pollinator friendly. Plant in full sun, in poor soil. Drought tolerant. Ht 4-6ft.