SafePlants

Field Sagewort (Artemisia campestris)

Considerations for Pets

• The text mentions the traditional use of Field Sagewort as an abortifacient, which may warrant further research regarding potential effects on animals.

Considerations for Children

• The text mentions the traditional use of Field Sagewort as an abortifacient, which may warrant further research regarding potential effects on children.

Common Names

• Field Sagewort
• Beach Wormwood
• Northern Wormwood
• Field Wormwood
• Thread-leaf Sagewort
• Tall Wormwood
• Field Southernwood
• Prairie Sagewort
• Boreal Wormwood
• Canadian Wormwood
• Pacific Wormwood
• Common Sagewort

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Scientific Name: Artemisia campestris L.
• Family: Asteraceae (Aster Family)
• Synonyms:
  • Artemisia caudata
  • Artemisia forwoodii
  • Oligosporus campestris
• Subspecies:
  • Artemisia campestris subsp. caudata (Michx.) Hall & Clem.
  • Artemisia campestris ssp. borealis (Pall.) H.M. Hall & Clem.
  • Artemisia campestris ssp. borealis var. borealis

Distribution and Habitat

• Field Sagewort is native to dry savannas.
• It prefers dry conditions in full sun.
• It is well adapted to sandy soils and can be used to help stabilize dunes.

Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits

• Field Sagewort is a herbaceous biennial or perennial.
• Stems are erect to ascending, one to occasionally several from a taproot.
• The text describes its leaves as pinnately divided and slightly gray-green.
• It has hundreds of nodding, 1/8-inch yellowish-green short-stalked flower heads in long, loose formations.

Ecological Role

• The text mentions Field Sagewort has a weedy appearance on dry meadows and hillsides.

Traditional Uses

• A tea from the roots has been used by the Lakota people.
• The text mentions the plant being used as an abortifacient.

Further Information

• Montana Field Guide
• Washington Natural Heritage Program
• Encyclopedia of Life
• USDA-NRCS PLANTS Database
• California Academy of Sciences
• Dave's Garden