Jesse Saylor
Family
Asteraceae
Botanical Name
Artemisia alba
Plant Common Name
Wormwood
Special Notice
This entry has yet to be reviewed and approved by L2G editors.
General Description
Some species in the genus Artemisia have been cultivated for centuries. Cultivated forms were traditionally used medicinally or as herbs to flavor food. In recent years many more have become valued as garden ornamentals.
The origin of the name “Artemisia” is not clear. Some say it was named for the mythological goddess Artemis while others claim it is named for the ancient botanist Artemis, who was wife, sister and successor to the Greek King Mausolus.
This large and extremely variable genus is in the daisy family and comprises 350 to 500 species. These are native to the temperate regions of the Northern Hemisphere, with a few species in southern Africa and South America. The plants are annuals, biennials, perennials, subshrubs, or shrubs that generally inhabit grasslands in arid to semi-arid habitats.
Growth habit varies widely from species to species, but artemisias typically have upright stems that are well-branched. Their deeply divided or toothed leaves may be linear, oval or wedge-shaped and are often highly aromatic. Leaf surfaces are either smooth or covered with fine hairs. The small and insignificant flowers are grouped in clusters and followed by equally small fruits that are hard, oval and flattened.
Popular cultivated forms include the culinary herb tarragon (Artemisia dracunculus), which is the key flavor in Béarnaise sauce. Absinthe (Artemisia absinthium) is a clump-forming, silvery, woody perennial from Europe and Asia that is the main ingredient in the liquor, absinthe. One of the most popular ornamental forms is the pretty hybrid perennial Artemisia 'Powis Castle' that forms large mounds of feathery silver leaves.
Cultural requirements vary from species to species, but most Artemisia prefer full to partial sun and soil with ample drainage. Some will tolerate poor soil, while others prefer moist, fertile loam that’s rich in organic matter. Perennial forms are often short-lived and tend to perform poorly where the weather is moist and hot. Ornamental artemisias are great for sunny rock gardens, beds and containers. Their silvery white foliage is a pretty foil for brightly hued blooms and foliage. Culinary types are perfect for herb gardens and culinary containers.
