SafePlants

Artemisia ludoviciana: White Sagebrush and Its Many Names

Artemisia ludoviciana, a member of the Asteraceae family, is known by a plethora of common names, reflecting its widespread distribution and varied appearance. These include:

• Silver Wormwood
• Western Mugwort
• Louisiana Wormwood
• White Sagebrush
• Gray Sagewort
• Louisiana Sage
• Darkleaf Mugwort
• Mexican Sagewort
• Prairie Sage
• Silver Sage
• White Sage
• Silver King
• Cudweed

It's important to note that the name "white sage" is also used for a different plant, Salvia, which can lead to confusion.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Scientific Name: Artemisia ludoviciana Nutt.
• Family: Asteraceae (also known as the daisy family)
• Kingdom: Plantae
• Synonyms: A. palmeri, A. purshiana
• Subspecies: Artemisia ludoviciana ssp. candicans, Artemisia ludoviciana ssp. ludoviciana, Artemisia ludoviciana ssp. incompta

Distribution and Habitat

Artemisia ludoviciana is a rhizomatous perennial native to North America, ranging from Baja California to Ontario, Canada, and south to Arkansas. It is also found in Minnesota and the Columbia Basin. While considered native in many regions, it may be introduced in others, with some areas reporting an "absent/unreported" or "no county data" status.

Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits

• Aromatic, rhizomatous perennial.
• Typically grows to a height of 3-19 dm (approximately 1-6 feet).
• Stems are simple up to the inflorescence.
• Characterized by white-woolly foliage, at least on the upper parts of the plant.
• Leaves are lance-shaped, silver-white, pubescent, and sage-like, reaching up to 4 inches long.
• The plant has thin, fine-textured, airy foliage.
• Stems and foliage are covered with woolly gray or white hairs.

Ecological Role

• It is considered aggressive and rhizomatous.

Traditional Uses

• Traditionally, Native Americans who did not have access to white sage (Salvia) used sagebrush.
• It has a boiling point of 190°C / 374°F.
• It has been traditionally used for disinfecting against gastro-intestinal complaints and kidney- and bladder problems.
• It has also been used for tonicizing and disinfecting purposes.
• In Mexican medicine, Artemisia mexicana is used as a medicinal herb.

Interactions with Other Organisms

• Its essential oil has repellent properties against rice weevils (Sitophilus oryzae) and lesser grain borers.