SafePlants

Artemisia Species: A Detailed Overview

This page provides information about several species within the Artemisia genus, commonly known as wormwood, sagebrush, or sagewort. We will delve into the characteristics, distribution, and uses of these fascinating plants.

Considerations for Pets

• Some species, such as Artemisia arborescens (tree wormwood), are described as very bitter herbs. While this doesn't automatically indicate toxicity, the strong taste might be unpalatable to pets.

Scientific Nomenclature and Taxonomy

• Genus: Artemisia L.
• Family: Asteraceae (Sunflower Family)
• Examples of species mentioned:
  • Artemisia senjavinensis (arctic wormwood)
  • Artemisia glomerata Ledeb. (Pacific Alpine Wormwood, cudweed sagewort, clustered wormwood, congested sagewort)
    • Artemisia glomerata Ledeb. var. subglabrata Hultn.
    • Artemisia glomerata var. glomerata
  • Artemisia arborescens (tree wormwood, sheeba)
  • Artemisia campestris subsp. scouleriana (Pacific wormwood, Scouler's wormwood)
  • Artemisia absinthium (Absinthe Wormwood)
  • Artemisia aleutica (Aleutian Wormwood)
  • Artemisia tilesii (mountain wormwood)
  • Artemisia bigelovii (Bigelow sage)
  • Artemisia arctica (alpine sagewort, boreal sagewort, arctic wormwood)
  • Artemisia laxa (Alpine Wormwood)
  • Artemisia abrotanum (Southernwood, Southern Wormwood, Abrotanum)
• Synonyms and Common Names: Many species have multiple common names. For example, Artemisia glomerata is known as Pacific Alpine Wormwood, cudweed sagewort, clustered wormwood and congested sagewort.

Distribution and Habitat

• Artemisia senjavinensis is found on the Seward Peninsula.
• Artemisia glomerata, particularly the variety glomerata, is referred to as "Pacific Alpine Wormwood" which suggests a presence in the Pacific Northwest.
• Artemisia arborescens is indigenous to the Middle East.
• The genus Artemisia has a wide distribution, ranging from arctic polar deserts to hot Sonoran deserts, and from alpine tundra to coastal salt marshes.
• Some species grow in subalpine to alpine areas, rocky places, talus, scree, and drainages at high altitudes (10,000-12,000 ft).

Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits

• Artemisia glomerata is described as a subshrub forb/herb with a perennial duration.
• Artemisia arborescens is described as a very bitter herb.

Traditional and Modern Uses

• Artemisia absinthium (absinth wormwood) was historically used to repel fleas and moths, and in brewing.
• It has also been used as a bitter tonic and choleretic.
• Some species are used in the production of spirits, particularly absinthe.

Additional Information

• Discover Life provides information on the biology, natural history, ecology, identification, and distribution of Artemisia glomerata (Pacific Alpine Wormwood).
• The Wormwood Society is mentioned as a resource related to the use of wormwood in spirits.