SafePlants

Artemisia laciniata: Siberian Wormwood

Artemisia laciniata, commonly known as Siberian wormwood or cutleaf wormwood, is a perennial herb belonging to the sunflower family (Asteraceae).

Considerations for Pets

• The plant is noted as having a bitter taste.
• Wormwood (Artemisia) has been used traditionally to repel fleas and moths, which could suggest a strong odor or volatile compounds.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Scientific Name: Artemisia laciniata Willd.
• Common Names: Siberian wormwood, cutleaf wormwood
• Family: Asteraceae (Sunflower family)
• Rank: Species
• Synonyms/Related Species:
  • Artemisia laciniata C.B. Clarke
  • Artemisia alaskana (Alaskan sagebrush, Alaskan wormwood, also referred to as Siberian wormwood)
  • Artemisia laciniata ssp. parryi (A. Gray) W.A. Weber &#8211 Parry's wormwood (Subspecies)

Distribution and Habitat

• Artemisia laciniata is native to Europe, Siberia, and the United States of America.

Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits

• It is described as a forb/herb, which means it's a non-woody plant that isn't a grass.
• The flowers are hermaphrodite, possessing both male and female reproductive organs.
• It is a perennial plant.

Ecological Role

• The flowers are pollinated by insects.

Traditional Uses

• Siberian wormwood, along with St. John's Wort, Marigold Calendula, Chamomile, and Sage, is used in herbal mixes for saunas.

Quirky Facts

• In Tuva, Siberia, related species of wormwood are burned before sacred events.

Additional Information

• USDA hardiness zone information may be available.
• Essential oil composition has been studied by the Vorozhtsov Institute of Organic Chemistry, Siberian Branch, Russian.
• Discover Life has a page dedicated to the biology, natural history, ecology, identification, and distribution of Artemisia laciniata.