Intricately cut gray-green foliage with stout woody stems. Leaves contain thujone, small amounts of which act as a powerful but dangerous vermifuge and brain stimulate. Used to flavor vermouth, it is also used to make absinthe. Large doses can be toxic. Useful moth repellent. An infusion of the bitter leaves stimulate the digestive system, liver, and bile production. A beautiful plant - it's a host plant for the American Painted Lady butterfly. Some sources say it poisons the soil around itself much like walnut trees but we haven't seen evidence of this after 30 or so years.