Where does wormwood used against fleas grow? - briefly
Wormwood used as a flea repellent thrives in temperate zones of Europe and Asia, favoring dry, sunny slopes and grasslands. It is also cultivated in North America and Mediterranean regions.
Where does wormwood used against fleas grow? - in detail
Wormwood species employed as a flea repellent thrive in temperate zones with well‑drained, slightly alkaline soils. The plant prefers full sunlight and tolerates modest drought, which makes it suitable for open fields, hillside meadows and cultivated garden beds.
Key natural habitats include:
- European steppes and low‑land grasslands, especially in France, Germany, the Czech Republic and the Balkans.
- Western Asian plateaus, notably in Turkey, Iran and the Caucasus region.
- Central Asian dry‑steppe ecosystems, such as those of Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan.
- North‑American prairies and disturbed sites in the northern United States and southern Canada, where the species has become naturalized.
Cultivation practices for flea‑control purposes concentrate on:
- Selecting seed varieties of Artemisia absinthium or closely related Artemisia spp. known for high volatile oil content.
- Preparing soil with a pH of 6.5 – 7.5 and incorporating organic matter to improve structure.
- Sowing seeds in early spring or late summer, spacing plants 30–45 cm apart to allow adequate airflow.
- Maintaining a watering regime that avoids waterlogging; irrigation is reduced once seedlings are established.
- Harvesting aerial parts at the flowering stage, when essential oil concentration peaks, then drying in a shaded, ventilated area.
Regions with commercial production of flea‑deterrent wormwood include:
- Southern France (Provence, Languedoc) – extensive dry‑hill farms.
- Central Italy (Tuscany, Umbria) – mixed‑crop fields with organic certification.
- Eastern Turkey – high‑altitude terraces.
- Northwestern United States (Washington, Oregon) – small‑scale organic growers.
The plant’s adaptability to a range of temperate climates explains its widespread presence in both wild and cultivated settings, ensuring a reliable source for flea‑repelling preparations.