Artemisia ludoviciana
Family: Asteraceae
Plant Description: Rhizomatic, erect, slightly woody perennial to 1 m high with usually silvery gray, aromatic leaves 2-6 cm long, alternate and linear. Heads in dense panicles, 3.5-5 mm high. Discoid flowers, corolla yellow; disk flowers white.
Plant Trivia: Other names include Sagebrush, Prairie Sage.
Field Identification: Erect perennial with slightly wood base; to 1 meter tall. Whitish, aromatic plant
Occurrence: Occasionally on sandy soils, usually along ravines or in steam bottoms, forming colonies. Drought-tolerant. Native North American plant; full sun and well-drained, sandy or rocky soils. Spreads by rhizomes.
Bloom Period: July-October
Plant Use: Landscaping for erosion control, colorful groundcover. Supports pollinators and serves a host plant for American Lady and Painted Lady butterflies. Used by Native American tribes for medicinal and ceremonial purposes. Traditionally used as a tea for colds, coughs, and stomachaches or applied topically for skin issues. Many cultivars.
Key to species of Artemisia:
- Leaves green………………………………………………………………………….A. dracunculus
Leaves whitish or gray on lower or both surfaces……………A. ludoviciana
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