Artemisia, Genus, ludoviciana, Species,
- Genus & species
silver wormwood
Overview
Artemisia ludoviciana is a rhizomatous, aromatic perennial in the daisy family, growing 1-3 feet (30-90 cm) tall and spreading widely by underground runners. The erect stems are clothed in narrow, lance-shaped leaves 1-4 inches (2.5-10 cm) long that are silvery-white to grey, woolly on both sides or green above and white-felted below, and release a sage-like scent when crushed. In late summer and autumn, slim, branched spikes carry many tiny, greenish-yellow, nodding flower heads with no showy rays. The plant grows from a creeping rhizome system that lets it form broad colonies, sometimes spreading aggressively in good soil. It occurs naturally on prairies, plains, open woodland, roadsides, and dry slopes across much of North America. It tolerates drought, heat, and poor soils and dies back to the ground in winter. The vigorous spread can crowd out smaller plants, rich moist soil makes the stems flop, and the greenish flower heads are inconspicuous.
Native Range
Native to North America, ranging across most of the United States, southern Canada, and into Mexico. It grows on prairies, plains, dry open woodland, rocky slopes, and roadsides.Suggested Uses
Grown in dry borders, gravel gardens, prairie and wildlife plantings, and as a silver foil among stronger colours. It suits xeric and low-water schemes and is cut for fresh or dried arrangements. Its spreading roots make a contained site or root barrier helpful in mixed borders.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height1' - 3'
Width/Spread2' - 4'
Bloom Information
Detailed Descriptions
Foliage Description
silvery-whiteGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 6-12 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Performs in full sun on dry to average, free-draining soil at a pH from 6.0 to 8.0, including poor, sandy, or rocky ground. Once established it tolerates drought and heat and needs little water; rich, moist soils cause floppy stems and faster spread. It is hardy in zones 3 to 9 and dies back to the ground each winter. The plant spreads strongly by rhizome, so a root barrier or contained bed keeps it in check. Cutting it back in early summer keeps the silver foliage dense and low. Division every few years controls its spread and renews the clump.Pruning
Cutting the stems back by half in early summer keeps the plant compact and the foliage fresh. Removing flower spikes prevents self-seeding. Lifting and dividing in spring or autumn controls the spreading roots.Container Growing
Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 3 gallons
