Western Mugwort
artemisia ludoviciana
Also known as: ["White Sagebrush","Louisiana Wormwood"]
Overview
A perennial herbaceous plant with silvery-gray foliage and small, inconspicuous flowers, native to North America.
Benefits & Perks
["drought tolerant","shade tolerant","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Asterales |
| Family: | Asteraceae |
| Genus: | Artemisia |
| Botanical Name: | Artemisia ludoviciana |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Herbs & Weeds
- Suitable Location: garden bed or container in open, sunny area
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: moderate
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"–30–40°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"3–9"}
- Misting: rarely required, only if ambient humidity is very low
- Drainage: Fast-draining.
- Soil Type: Well-draining, sandy loam with some organic matter.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: very low
- Toughness Level: high
- Pruning Frequency: Annually in early spring; light pruning can be done after flowering if needed.
- Pruning Intensity: Moderate. Cut back stems by one-third to one-half to rejuvenate growth.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Full sun (6–8 hours/day). Tolerates partial shade but may become leggy.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate gradually if moving from shade to sun. Protect from intense midday sun in hot climates. Indoors, place near a south-facing window.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
easymoderate
Sunlight
full sun to partial shade
Rotate plant weekly; use sheer curtains in intense sun; avoid direct indoor light for prolonged periods.
Watering
every 7–10 days during active growth, less frequently in winter
Water deeply but infrequently; avoid overwatering; ensure excellent drainage.
Soil
well-drained, sandy or loamy soil
pH: Slightly alkaline to neutral (pH 6.5–7.5).
Avoid heavy clay soils; ensure pots have drainage holes; topdress with gravel in outdoor beds.
Temperature
Hardy in USDA zones 4–9. Prefers 60–75°F (15–24°C). Tolerates cold but needs protection below -20°F (-29°C).
Avoid sudden temperature shifts; protect from frost; ensure good air circulation.
Fertilizing
every 2–3 months during growing season, none required otherwise
Fertilize only when actively growing; flush soil occasionally to prevent salt buildup; use organic alternatives like compost tea.
Propagation
Methods
Stem cuttings or division. Stem cuttings are more common for home growers.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Take 4–6 inch cuttings.
- Remove lower leaves.
- Dip in hormone.
- Plant in medium.
- Keep moist and warm.
Best Time: Spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing.
Environment
Warm (70–75°F), high humidity (70–80%), indirect light.
Medium
Well-draining mix like perlite and peat moss, or cactus/succulent soil.
Hormone
Recommended to promote root development.
Timeline
Roots in 3–6 weeks; establish in 2–3 months.
Tools Needed
Pruners, rooting hormone, small pots, misting spray bottle.
Quick Tips
Use healthy, non-flowering stems; maintain humidity with a plastic bag; avoid direct sun.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Shear or cut stems just above a leaf node or bud. Remove dead or crossing branches.
Pruning Plan
Shape the plant, encourage bushiness, and remove dead or diseased growth. Best done in early spring before new growth emerges.
Tools
Pruning shears, bypass cutters, gloves.
Checklist
Sanitize tools; prune dead/diseased parts; shape evenly; clean up debris.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Early spring before active growth begins.
Pot Size
Move to a pot 1–2 inches larger in diameter.
Method
Remove plant gently; trim roots if crowded; use fresh, well-draining soil; ensure drainage holes are clear.
Suggestions
Repot every 2–3 years or when roots fill the pot. Necessary to refresh soil and provide space.
Checklist
Check root bound status; prepare new pot; trim roots; use fresh soil; water lightly after repotting.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil dryness; water deeply; ensure drainage; adjust for season.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water at the base, targeting the root zone. Apply until water drains from the bottom, then stop to prevent waterlogging. Water in the morning to minimize fungal risk.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water sparingly, allowing soil to dry completely between waterings. Reduce frequency in winter to once every 3–4 weeks.
Soil Improvement
Add perlite or coarse sand to improve drainage; incorporate compost for fertility.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Wilting, yellowing leaves (cold); scorching, leaf drop (heat).
Cold Stress
Slows growth, may die back in severe cold. Roots can rot in poorly drained soil when frozen.
Solution: Mulch heavily in fall; plant in well-drained soil; protect in pots by moving to a sheltered location.
Hot Stress
Leaves may scorch, growth may stall, or plants may wilt despite soil moisture.
Solution: Provide afternoon shade; increase watering; use mulch to retain soil moisture.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Check growth phase; dilute fertilizer; apply to moist soil; rinse pot periodically.
Fertilizing Method
Use a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer diluted to half strength. Apply monthly during growing season (spring–summer); avoid fertilizing in fall and winter.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Slightly ToxicArtemisia ludoviciana is slightly toxic to cats if ingested. The plant's volatile oils can cause mild gastrointestinal irritation, though severe toxicity is rare. Cats may be more sensitive to plant compounds than dogs.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if ingested
Dogs
Slightly ToxicArtemisia ludoviciana can cause mild gastrointestinal upset in dogs if ingested. The plant contains compounds that may irritate the digestive tract, leading to discomfort. No severe toxicity has been reported in dogs.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if ingested
Humans
Non-toxicArtemisia ludoviciana is generally considered non-toxic to humans. However, ingestion of large quantities may cause mild gastrointestinal discomfort due to its high concentration of volatile oils. The plant is not known to produce significant physiological effects or toxicity.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten in large quantities
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Artemisia ludoviciana invasive?
A: Yes, it can be invasive in some regions due to its rapid spread via rhizomes.
Q: Does Artemisia ludoviciana attract wildlife?
A: Yes, it attracts bees, butterflies, and birds.
Q: How should I care for Artemisia ludoviciana?
A: It requires minimal care, thriving in full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Asteraceae |
| Care: | easy |
| Light: | full sun to partial shade |
| Water: | every 7–10 days during activ |
Get Expert Care Tips
Download the Plantious app for personalized care reminders and plant identification!
Google Play App Store
