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 uses. These include:

• Silver wormwood
• Western mugwort
• Louisiana wormwood
• White sagebrush
• Gray sagewort
• Louisiana sage
• Darkleaf mugwort
• Mexican sagewort
• White sage
• Prairie sage
• Silver sage
• Silver King
• Cudweed

It is also referred to as "white sage," but it is important to distinguish it from true White Sage (Salvia), a very different plant with a distinct smell.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Scientific Name: Artemisia ludoviciana Nutt.
• Synonyms: A. palmeri, A. purshiana
• Family: Asteraceae (Daisy Family)
• Kingdom: Plantae
• 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's often found growing in prairie and dry soil habitats.

Morphological Characteristics

• An aromatic, rhizomatous perennial, typically growing to a height of 3-19 dm.
• Stems are simple (unbranched) up to the inflorescence.
• Foliage: Lance-shaped leaves (up to 4 inches long) are silver-white and pubescent (covered in downy hairs), giving the plant a sage-like appearance. Stems and foliage are also covered with woolly gray or white hairs.

Ecological Role

Prairie Sage (Artemisia ludoviciana) is noted as being aggressive and rhizomatous. It may spread rapidly in favorable conditions.

Traditional Uses

• Historically, it has been used by Native Americans as a substitute for White Sage (Salvia) when the latter was not accessible.
• Boiling Point: 190°C / 374°F.
• It has been used for its disinfecting properties against gastro-intestinal complaints and kidney- and bladder problems as well as for tonicizing.