Hebrew: לַעֲנָה שִׂיחָנִית – שִׁיבָּא, Laʿanah siḥanit, Shibba
Family: Compositae (Asteraceae)
Scientific name: Artemisia arborescens
Tree wormwood is a woody perennial reaching several dozen centimeters tall. Its leaves give off a bitter taste and smell. It is primarily used as a tea leaf.
La’anah is mentioned in scriptures as a bitter plant, and eating it is considered a punishment. The Mishnah does not mention the la’anah as an independent plant, rather identifies it with the eizov mentioned often in the Mishnah and with marror. Some claim that tree wormwood as it is known today was brought to this region only during the Crusader period.
Kilei zera’im & kilei hakerem (interplanting – annuals & grapevines): Since tree wormwood is a woody perennial, it has the halachic status of a tree. Therefore, there is no need to distance it from other edible annuals or grapevines.
Orlah: While classified as a tree, since its leaves are used and not its botanical fruit, orlah laws do not apply to the leaves.
Terumot & ma’aserot (offerings & tithes): Tree woormword is used for tea only, and not eaten on its own. Therefore, it is not obligated in terumot or ma’aserot, though some are stringent and separate without a blessing.
Infestation: The wormwood leaves are host to many insects. Therefore, when using it for tea, it should be placed in a fine mesh bag to block insects from passing through.
Blessing: The blessing for fragrance is borei atzei beseamim (Creator of fragrant trees).
