The plant is a spreading perennial herb, hardy in northern states of the U.S., and grown commercially in Michigan and Wisconsin. The top, grown from overwintering roots, attains a height of 2 to 4 feet, and is much branched. Leaves are parted into 2 to 3 long lobes and pubescent.
Flower heads are small and numerous.
Tops and leaves are gathered in midsummer, dried. The extract was formerly much used in medicine and in liquors. At present, its use is mainly as the principal ingredient in absinthe, in which it is combined with other aromatic oils. About 3 months.