The plant family Asteraceae contains over 32,000 distinct species of flowering plants that sport the traits known best as herbal: edible (or toxic) parts, aromatic leaves and flowers, and historical culinary, medicinal, and ornamental use with economic value derived from its uses. Within the family Asteraceae, we find the genus Artemisia one of the most unique, in that the aromatic nature of the plants is vibrant to say the least. Currently undergoing reclassification, this broad genus has between 200 and 400 species with varying levels of these aforementioned traits. Let's take a look at this group.
Members of this genus are typically perennial plants with multiple small yellow or greenish-yellow flower heads grouped into clusters. Leaves vary in color from green to gray-green to silver, usually divided and positioned alternately on the stem. Most are aromatic as essential oils are present and easily released. Their placement in the landscape often allows for smooth transition between intense colors or creates contrast from more dominant green plants.
Commonly named plants found within the genus Artemisia include Mugwort, Sagebrush, Sagewort, Southernwood, Tarragon, and Wormwood. Each of these common names comes with adjectives to specifically differentiate them from other plants similarly named but not in the genus Artemisia. It is important to be aware of a plant's true identity and the cautions necessary when touching and using them. The following represents ten of our favorites that we have encountered over the years.
Common Mugwort = Artemisia vulgaris: Why is it that Latin names are so vivid? Vulgaris certainly sounds awful coming out of one's mouth, so you would imagine this Artemisia would taste awful! You won't be disappointed—it is vulgar! Would you be surprised to know that this Artemisia has ornamental and medicinal value? (Cue Mary Poppins “Just a spoonful of sugar helps the medicine go down….”). Acupuncture practice incorporates burning it to make “moxa” (Mugwort burning) done over key points to stimulate the flow of Qi (pronounced chee), strengthen (thicken) the blood, and promote general health. Various Asian cultures also use it as a dream inducer.
Western Mugwort = Artemisia ludoviciana: This Mugwort is also known as White Sage (sagebrush), a handsome plant with soft, whitish leaves. It is an herbaceous perennial native to central and western United States and Canada in all temperature zones. It has a robust sage fragrance, hence the common name.
White Mugwort = Artemisia lactiflora: Lactiflora is also vividly descriptive, as the flowers of this species are milk white! This plant has silvery green foliage which enhances its ornamental use. The flowers are showy, bearing a resemblance to Astilbe (False Goat's Beard), and attract beneficial insects.
Big Sagebrush = Artemisia tridentata: Not to be confused with a trifecta and in no way related to “Trident” gum (which is cinnamon flavored), Tridentata is a very hardy species that tolerates arid environs. It plays a crucial role in its native Great Basin, surviving on minimal water while providing both food and shelter for members of the community. Utah State University researchers have found that this sagebrush has medicinal properties as a menstrual stimulant and avermifuge (expelling parasites from the body). The leaves are silvery green.
California Sagebrush = Artemisia californica: Grow this shrub in native plant gardens or use as a drought-resistant landscaping choice. Its silvery foliage exemplifies the Atremisia genus. California sagebrush is sometimes confused for a true sage (Salvia) due to its common name and leaves that smell like sage. It is a crucial part of the coastal sage scrub habitat.
Prairie Sagewort = Artemisia frigida: Also known as Prairie Sagebrush or Fringed Sage (sagebrush), this low-growing woody sub-shrub native to the Black Hills of South Dakota and Wyoming has silvery, frilled leaves that are very aromatic. Various Native American tribes identify this plant as one of their smudge plants.
Sagewort = Artemisia annua: This Artemisia is more commonly known as Sweet Annie or Sweet Wormwood, but is also known as Qing-hoa or Qing-guo. Different from most other members of this genus, it is an annual grown from seed as a late-flowering cultivar. Its cultivation in China began over two thousand years ago. The aromatic foliage is pervasive and pleasant. It contains a prominent level of Artemisinin, a drug incorporated into ACTs (Artemisinin-based Combination Therapies), which are the current treatment for malaria caused by Plasmodium falciparum as well as malaria due to other species of Plasmodium. Scientist Tu Youyou discovered this in 1972, resulting in a shared Nobel Prize in Physiology/Medicine awarded in 2015! Additionally, the aromatic branches placed in dried floral arrangements and scented wreaths really add flair to the handicraft.
Southernwood = Artemisia abrotanum: This woody shrub is native to the Mediterranean and is also very aromatic. It is lemon-scented and works very well as a moth repellent. It also makes a bitter tonic! Bitters add flair to foods in cooking applications and a punch to most dry liquors.
Tarragon = Artemisia dracunculus: French Tarragon is this actual species. While French Tarragon is the most popular culinary Artemisia in the world, people in fact grow more Russian Tarragon (A. dracunculoides) world-wide due in part to its adaptability. Both are green leaved and have a healthy anise flavor and aroma. French Tarragon is a little more difficult to keep happy in a garden due to its want for the perfect Mediterranean climate. But if you can create French Tarragon's happy place, you will not be disappointed. While other plants also have anise flavors, these two Artemisia are the bomb amongst Michelin-grade chefs!
Wormwood = Artemisia absinthium: You knew I wouldn't leave this one out! Absinthe was once the alcoholic spirit of choice in Europe, an anise-flavored spirit derived from the flowers and leaves of Artemisia absinthium, together with green anise, sweet fennel, and other culinary and medicinal herbs. The concern one should have with pure, untreated Wormwood is the chemical contained in its essential oil, Thujone. Research regarding this chemical confirms it to be a toxic ketone that can cause hallucinations and seizures. Warning! Danger Will Robinson! Danger! Don't get “Lost in Space.”
What an exciting group of plants! I hope you enjoyed the brief introduction.
For more information on Artemisia, click here.