Artemisia ludoviciana

Artemisia ludoviciana is a species of flowering plant in the Asteraceae family, commonly known as white sage, silver wormwood, or western mugwort. It is native to North America, where it is widespread across the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

Description

Artemisia ludoviciana is a perennial herb or subshrub. It typically grows to a height of 0.3 to 1.0 meters, but can reach up to 1.5 meters in ideal conditions. The plant's stems are erect and often have a silver-white color due to a dense covering of hairs. The leaves are lance-shaped and can be up to 10 cm long. They are typically gray-green to white in color, again due to a dense covering of hairs.

The flowers of Artemisia ludoviciana are small and inconspicuous, typically appearing in late summer or early fall. They are arranged in narrow, elongated clusters at the ends of the stems. Each flower is about 3 to 4 mm in diameter and has a yellow or greenish-yellow color.

Distribution and habitat

Artemisia ludoviciana is native to North America, where it is found from Alaska and northern Canada south to Mexico. It is widespread across the United States, particularly in the western and central regions. The plant is typically found in a variety of habitats, including prairies, meadows, open forests, and along roadsides and riverbanks.

Uses

Artemisia ludoviciana has a long history of use by Native American tribes for medicinal and ceremonial purposes. It has been used as a smudge in purification rituals, and the leaves have been used to treat a variety of ailments, including digestive problems, colds, and headaches. The plant is also used in landscaping for its attractive silver-white foliage and its ability to thrive in dry, poor soils.

Cultivation

Artemisia ludoviciana is a hardy plant that can tolerate a wide range of conditions. It prefers full sun and well-drained soil, but can tolerate partial shade and a variety of soil types. The plant is drought-tolerant and can thrive in dry, poor soils. It is typically propagated by seed, but can also be propagated by cuttings or division.

See also

• Artemisia (genus)
• Asteraceae
• Flora of North America

This flora-related article is a stub. You can help WikiMD by expanding it.