wormwood

Any of several aromatic plants of the genus Artemisia.

Something harsh or embittering.

A. somewhat woody perennial herb, Artemisia Absinthium, native in Europe and Asiatic Russia, found in old gardens and by roadsides in North America.

Figuratively

Bitterness.

By transference of the name, the common ragweed, Ambrosia artemisiæfolia, a bitter plant with foliage dissected somewhat like that of an artemisia.

A composite plant (Artemisia Absinthium), having a bitter and slightly aromatic taste, formerly used as a tonic and a vermifuge, and to protect woolen garments from moths. It gives the peculiar flavor to the cordial called absinthe. The volatile oil is a narcotic poison. The term is often extended to other species of the same genus.

Anything very bitter or grievous; bitterness.