Menu
+ Add
California Native Plant

Artemisia ludoviana

Silver Wormwood

Plant photo of: Artemisia ludoviana
Previous Photo     Next Photo
Information by: Jerry Sortomme Editor        Photographer:

 

Description

Artemisia ludoviciana is a species of sagebrush known by several common names, including silver wormwood, white sagebrush, and gray sagewort. It is native to North America where it is widespread coast to coast, but many subspecies are found only in the western United States. This is a rhizomatous perennial herb growing to heights between 30 centimeters and one meter. The stems bear linear leaves up to 11 centimeters long. The stems and foliage are covered in woolly gray or white hairs. The top of the stem is occupied by a narrow flower cluster of many nodding flower heads. Each small head is a cup of hairy phyllaries surrounding a center of yellowish disc florets and is about half a centimeter wide. The fruit is a minute achene. This plant was used by many Native American groups for a variety of medicinal, veterinary, and ceremonial purposes. -Calscape

 

Plant Type

Shrub

Height Range

1-3'

Flower Color

Yellow, White

Flower Season

Spring, Summer, Fall

Leaf Color

Grey Green, Grey

Bark Color

n/a

Fruit Color

n/a

Fruit Season

n/a

Sun

Full, Half

Water

Low

Growth Rate

Fast

Soil Type

Sandy, Clay, Loam, Rocky, Unparticular

Soil Condition

Average, Well-drained

Soil pH

Neutral

Adverse Factors

n/a

Design Styles

English Cottage, Ranch, Seascape, Spanish, Wild Garden

Accenting Features

Fragrance, Unusual Foliage

Seasonal Interest

Winter, Spring, Summer, Fall

Location Uses

Shrub Border, Parking Strip, Park, Roadside

Special Uses

Erosion Control, Naturalizing

Attracts Wildlife

n/a

Water Saving Tip:

Water between sunset and sunrise when temperatures and wind are the lowest.