Mountain Sagewort, Michaux's wormwood
Artemisia michauxiana

Family: Asteraceae or Compositae

What it is like

Artemisia michauxiana is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.5 m (1ft 8in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 3. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Wind. Suitable for: light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers dry or moist soil and can tolerate drought.

Height (m): 0.5

Where it is found

Rocky places in mountains, usually at rather high elevations.

Western N. America - British Columbia to California.

Conservation Status:

Countries/locations it is found in

How it is used

Food

Rating: 1

Seed. No further details are given, but the seed is very small and fiddly to use.

Seed: includes nuts, cereals, peas and beans.

Medicine

Rating: 1

A hot infusion of the plant has been used in the treatment of headaches. A poultice of the chewed plant is applied to sprains and swellings.

Poultice: A moist, usually warm or hot, mass of plant material applied to the skin in the treatment of burns etc.

Other

Rating:

How it is grown

Easily grown in a well-drained circumneutral or slightly alkaline loamy soil, preferring a warm sunny dry position. Established plants are drought tolerant. Plants are longer lived, more hardy and more aromatic when they are grown in a poor dry soil. Members of this genus are rarely if ever troubled by browsing deer.

Propagating it: Seed - surface sow from late winter to early summer in a greenhouse, making sure that the compost does not dry out. When large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in the greenhouse for their first winter. Plant out in late spring or early summer. Division in spring or autumn. Basal cuttings in late spring. Harvest the young shoots when about10 - 15cm long, pot up in a lightly shaded position in a greenhouse or cold frame and plant them out when well rooted. Very easy.

Best place to grow: Cultivated Beds;

Habit: Perennial

Hardiness: 3-7

Growth:

Soil: Light (sandy), medium

Shade: Semi-shade, no shade

Moisture: Dry, moist

Things to keep in mind

Although no reports of toxicity have been seen for this species, skin contact with some members of this genus can cause dermatitis or other allergic reactions in some people.

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

A. discolor. Dougl. ex D.C. A. vulgaris discolor.