The fruit is an achene without a pappus. Although the small seeds do not have any specific morphological provision for dispersal, they are easily scattered in hay and by wind, water, and animals. Germination rates were measured under various pretreatment and photoperiod conditions. Germination was best on moist soils. Absinth wormwood invades extreme northern environments during warm periods but may not reproduce successfully.
Absinth wormwood grows best in moist habitats.
Absinth wormwood colonizes open, disturbed sites. Seeds mature in early fall. Seedlings emerge from early spring to August whenever moisture and warmth are available.