Biennial Wormwood
artemisia biennis
Also known as: ["Western Wormwood","Biennial Sagebrush"]
Overview
A biennial herbaceous plant in the Asteraceae family, known for its silvery-gray foliage and aromatic scent.
Benefits & Perks
["drought tolerant","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)","fragrant flowers"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Asterales |
| Family: | Asteraceae |
| Genus: | Artemisia |
| Botanical Name: | Artemisia biennis |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Herbs & Weeds
- Suitable Location: outdoor garden bed in open, sunny area
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"5–30°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"3–9"}
- Misting: rarely required, only if ambient humidity is very low
- Drainage: Fast-draining to prevent root rot.
- Soil Type: Well-draining, sandy loam with some organic matter.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: very low
- Toughness Level: high
- Pruning Frequency: After flowering and as needed to remove dead or leggy growth.
- Pruning Intensity: Light to moderate, depending on plant size and health.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Full sun (6–8 hours of direct sunlight daily). Tolerates partial shade but may become leggy or less aromatic.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate plants gradually if moving from shade to full sun to prevent scorching. In hot climates, provide some afternoon shade to protect from intense heat. Indoors, place near a south-facing window.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
easyeasy
Sunlight
full sun
Rotate plants for even light exposure; use reflective surfaces to boost light in shaded areas; monitor for signs of sunburn or etiolation.
Watering
every 7–10 days during active growth, reduce in winter
Water thoroughly but infrequently to encourage deep root growth; allow soil to dry between waterings; avoid overwatering to prevent root rot.
Soil
well-drained, sandy or loamy soil
pH: Slightly alkaline to neutral (pH 6.5–7.5).
Ensure soil dries between waterings; use raised beds in heavy soils; test pH annually.
Temperature
Prefers cool to moderate temperatures (60–75°F or 15–24°C). Tolerates cold down to 20°F (-6°C) but thrives in cooler conditions.
Use shade cloth in extreme heat; protect from frost; maintain consistent temperatures for optimal growth.
Fertilizing
every 4–6 weeks during spring and summer, none in fall and winter
Apply fertilizer to moist soil to prevent root burn; stop fertilizing before winter dormancy; use organic options like compost tea for gentle feeding.
Propagation
Methods
Stem cuttings or seed. Stem cuttings root readily in warm conditions.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Take 4–6 inch cuttings below a node.
- Remove lower leaves.
- Dip in rooting hormone (optional).
- Plant in medium.
- Maintain humidity with a plastic cover.
Best Time: Spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing.
Environment
Warm (70–75°F or 21–24°C), high humidity (70–80%), and bright indirect light.
Medium
Well-draining mix of perlite and peat moss or cactus mix.
Hormone
Rooting hormone is optional but can speed up rooting.
Timeline
Roots develop in 2–4 weeks; plants can be transplanted after 6–8 weeks.
Tools Needed
Pruning shears, rooting hormone, small pots, plastic wrap or propagator, misting bottle.
Quick Tips
Use healthy, non-flowering stems; maintain consistent moisture; provide bottom heat for faster rooting.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Pinch back tips to encourage branching; cut flower stalks at the base after blooming.
Pruning Plan
Prune to maintain shape, encourage bushiness, and remove dead or diseased growth. Focus on removing spent flower stalks to promote reblooming.
Tools
Pruning shears, gloves, disinfectant for tools.
Checklist
Disinfect tools; prune during dry weather; remove dead or diseased parts; shape as needed.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Early spring before new growth begins.
Pot Size
One size up (e.g., from 4-inch to 6-inch pot).
Method
Gently remove plant; trim roots if necessary; place in a slightly larger pot with fresh, well-draining soil; water thoroughly.
Suggestions
Repot every 2–3 years or when roots fill the container. Artemisia biennis is not typically container-grown but may need division if overcrowded in garden beds.
Checklist
Choose appropriate pot size; use fresh soil; trim roots if needed; water after repotting.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture before watering; water deeply; ensure proper drainage; avoid wetting leaves.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water at the base of the plant, ensuring moisture reaches the root zone. Apply until water drains from the bottom, avoiding wetting foliage to reduce fungal risk. Water early in the morning to minimize evaporation.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water deeply once every 7–10 days during active growth, reducing frequency to every 2–3 weeks in winter or dormant periods. Adjust based on rainfall and soil moisture retention.
Soil Improvement
Add perlite or coarse sand to improve drainage; incorporate compost for organic matter; adjust pH with lime or sulfur if needed.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Chlorosis or wilting in excessive heat; stunted growth or browning in prolonged cold.
Cold Stress
Slows growth and may cause leaf discoloration or dieback if temperatures drop below tolerance levels.
Solution: Provide frost protection in winter (e.g., mulch, row covers). Ensure good air circulation to prevent cold-induced fungal issues.
Hot Stress
Leaves may wilt, curl, or develop brown edges; reduced flowering and overall vigor.
Solution: Provide afternoon shade, increase watering frequency, and use mulch to retain soil moisture.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Use diluted fertilizer; apply during active growth; avoid winter feeding; check soil pH before fertilizing.
Fertilizing Method
Use a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer diluted to half strength every 4–6 weeks during the growing season (spring to early fall). Avoid fertilizing in winter.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Slightly ToxicCats that consume Artemisia biennis may experience mild gastrointestinal irritation. The toxic compounds can cause digestive upset, though severe reactions are rare.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Dogs
Slightly ToxicIngestion of Artemisia biennis by dogs may lead to mild gastrointestinal upset. The plant's compounds can irritate the stomach lining, causing discomfort.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Humans
Slightly ToxicArtemisia biennis contains compounds that can cause mild gastrointestinal distress when ingested in significant quantities. The physiological impact is generally limited to irritation of the digestive tract.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Artemisia biennis toxic to pets?
A: Yes, it is mildly toxic to dogs and cats.
Q: How does Artemisia biennis grow?
A: It is a biennial plant that typically germinates in the first year and flowers in the second year.
Q: Does Artemisia biennis attract wildlife?
A: Yes, it attracts bees, butterflies, and birds due to its fragrant flowers.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Asteraceae |
| Care: | easy |
| Light: | full sun |
| 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
