Redstem wormwood
Artemisia scoparia

Family: Asteraceae or Compositae

What it is like

Artemisia scoparia is a BIENNIAL growing to 0.6 m (2ft). 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 Insects. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers dry or moist soil and can tolerate drought.

Height (m): 0.6

Where it is found

Waste ground in C. Japan.

C. Europe to W. Asia.

Conservation Status:

Countries/locations it is found in

How it is used

Food

Rating: 1

Young leaves - cooked.

Medicine

Rating: 2

The plant is anticholesterolemic, antipyretic, antiseptic, cholagogue, diuretic and vasodilator. It has an antibacterial action, inhibiting the growth of Staphylococcus aureus, streptococci, Bacillus dysenteriae, B. typhi, B. subtilis, Pneumococci, C. diphtheriae, mycobacterium etc. It is used in the treatment of jaundice, hepatitis and inflammation of the gall bladder. The plant is also used in a mixture with other herbs as a cholagogue.

Antibacterial: Kills bacteria.

Anticholesterolemic: Prevents the build up of cholesterol.

Antipyretic: Treats fevers. See Febrifuge.

Antiseptic: Preventing sepsis, decay or putrefaction, it destroys or arrests the growth of micro-organisms.

Cholagogue: Increases the flow of bile and its discharge from the body.

Diuretic: Acts on the kidneys, promoting the flow of urine.

Vasodilator: Widens the blood vessels, thereby reducing blood pressure.

Other

Rating:

The seed and flowering stems contain 0.75% essential oil.

Essential: Essential oils that are used in perfumery, medicines, paint solvents, insect repellents etc.

Scented Plants: Plants noted for their scent

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 - sow late spring in a cold frame. When large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and plant them out in the summer.

Best place to grow: Cultivated Beds;

Habit: Biennial

Hardiness: 3-7

Growth:

Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)

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

Acapillaris scoparia.