Balkhan wormwood or lemon wormwood (Artemisia balchanorum Krasch.) is a representative of the aster family (Asteraceae Dumort.), growing in the Kopetdag-Khorasan area.

This semi-evergreen plant grows from August to September. It reaches a height of 40–80 cm.

This species of wormwood is widespread throughout the mountain ranges of the Greater Balkhan, in the lower, middle, and upper belts, and is endemic to these mountains.

Among oil plants, this is one of the most common species, found only on the Great Balkhan. The plant grows on rocky slopes and along dry, pebbly streams. The light green color of its straight stems and the strong lemon aroma of its leaves distinguish it from other species of wormwood.

It was found that 190 grams of dried young shoots of lemon wormwood contain 0,47% essential oil, while 275 grams of dried flowering branches contain 0,8% essential oil. The essential oil content of 300 grams of dried aerial parts of wormwood harvested in the fall was 1,82%.

Balkhan wormwood is considered a valuable raw material for confectionery and perfumery. The essential oil obtained from it is also used in small quantities to flavor soft drinks.

To avoid harming the natural gene pool, scientists in Turkmenistan have proposed cultivating Balkhan wormwood for industrial purposes in designated areas.

Source: Ministry of Environmental Protection website.

We previously wrote about another plant endemic to the Kopetdag-Khorasan Mountains: Turkmen juniper.