The Genus Artemisia
This genus is a large, diverse genus of plants (523 species) belonging to the daisy family Asteraceae. Common names for various species in the genus include mugwort, wormwood, and sagebrush. We have several species native to our region, from perennials and groundcovers to shrubs.
One of the most famous Artemisia species (Artemisia absinthium) is the source of bitter flavoring in absinthe, and thought to have hallucinogenic or otherwise mind-altering effects. But such is not the case, and the reports of such experiences are likely do to the fact that it was added to really strong booze. The other very famous Artemisia is the culinary herb tarragon (an asexually propagated selection of Artemisia dracunculus).
Artemisia species are larval host for the Painted Lady (Vanessa cardui).
Artemisia draculculus
Dragon Wormwood
Shrubby deciduous plant, reaching about 3-4’ tall, bigger in favored conditions. Numerous white to yellow flowers appear August, into the fall.
Full to part sun, moderate to low water, hardy to well below 0°F.
Nectar rich flowers for pollinators and like all species in this genus, important for native bees.
This plant is related to french tarragon which is a cultivated selection of this species (which is cosmopolitan). Though they don’t taste like French tarragon (the French would be appalled at the comparison) they DO have their own flavor that varies from plant to plant and can be used as spice. With some selection we can develop our own Baja Arizona tarragon. Local culinary uses as a tea, a spice, and the leaves and seeds were eaten. Also burned to keep away mosquitos. Extensive medicinal uses including treatment of dysentery, colic in infants, urinary problems, swollen feet and legs, headaches, arthritic pain, diaper rash, colds, chickenpox sores, venereal diseases, nettle stings. Also used stop women-s menstruation, as a heart medicine, and as a wash for open sores. Used to help promote hair growth and make hair long and soft, and as a love charm.
Artemisia is named for Artemis, the Greek goddess of the hunt and namesake of Artemisia, queen of Anatolia; dracunculus is derived from the Greek draconis, dragon and -unculus, little, or a little dragon.
Found on dry slopes and along arroyos, from 3,500-9,000 ft throughout North America, particularly in the western United States, south into northern Mexico. Some populations also in Canada, Alaska, with a disjunct population in Eurasia that appears to be native. French tarragon is a selection of this species but seems to only be grown from asexual propagation techniques. Seed sold on the market is mostly a Russian version (and lacks the aroma and flavor or the French tarragon).
Artemisia filifolia
Sand Sagebrush
Evergreen (silver) shrub to 3x3’ with intensely aromatic foliage. The pale yellow flowers are inconspicuous.
Full sun, moderate to low water with good drainage, hardy to -30°F.
Birds eat the seeds and use plants for nest building. Larval food plant for butterflies and moths. Artemesias are important for native bee species.
Used medicinally for boils, indigestion, and as a snakebite remedy; also used ceremonially.
Artemisia is named for Artemis, the Greek goddess of the hunt and namesake of Artemisia, queen of Anatolia; filifolia is from filiform, or threadlike, and -folia, for leaf.
Found in loose, sandy soils, in grasslands and dunes, from 4,000-6,000 ft. in Nevada, Utah, Wyoming and South Dakota, south to Arizona, New Mexico, Texas, and northern Mexico.
Artemisia ludoviciana
Western Mugwort
Spreading perennial growing about 3’ tall (often much shorter) spreading to form small colonies. Blooms are small, yellowish flowers that are secondary to the silver color of the erect stems and narrow leaves, created by a dense coat of hairs.
Full to part sun, moderate water, hardy to -30°F. Plants grow from a rhizome underground and may need to be cut back periodically, especially after blooming.
Larval food plant for the painted lady (Vanessa cardui), and the American lady (Vanessa virginiensis) butterflies, as well as the a few Noctuid flower moth (in the genus Schinia), and some tortrix moths (family Tortricidae). Mugworts are especially important to native bee species. This species has been used for bird nests and has a repellant effect on pests that harass birds.
This plant has a long history of medicinal use as tea and smudge. It is also used for flavoring liquors.
Artemisia is named for Artemis, the Greek goddess of the hunt and namesake of Artemisia, queen of Anatolia, while the species name, “ludoviciana”, means either "of or from Louisiana” or “of St. Louis” describing part of the plant's range. Thomas Nuttall (1786-1859) described this species in his The Genera of North American Plants of 1818.
Found in a variety of habitats including exposed slopes, forests, woodlands, and sandy floodplains from 2,500-8,500 ft., widespread across most of the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
Artemisia tridentata
Big Sage
Variable shrub, usually only about 2-4’ tall and wide in our region but has been known to get up to 10’ tall especially in higher elevations. Four subspecies occur in mid to western North America.
Full to part sun, though in the low desert, these plants seem to benefit from afternoon shade in the summer. Moderate to low water. Good drainage is a must. Hardy to -30°F.
Larval food plant for several butterfly and moth species. Important plant for native bees.
Commonly burned as a smudge to cleanse the air, for ritual purification, and to promote good health. It is also an important source of medicine, soap/disinfectant, and food (seeds), and is used for weaving mats and clothing.
Found in open habitats, slopes, meadows, well-drained soils from 5,000-8,000 ft. throughout the arid portions of the western and southwestern United States, and into Baja California.
Artemisia is named for Artemis, the Greek goddess of the hunt and namesake of Artemisia, queen of Anatolia; tridentata means “three toothed” referring to the edges of the leaves.