Douglas’ sagewort (Artemisia douglasiana, W.J.Hooker, Fl. Bor.-Amer. 1: 323 (1833))

Family: Asteraceae

Author: Besser

Bibliography: W.J.Hooker, Fl. Bor.-Amer. 1: 323 (1833)

Year: 1833

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Artemisia

Vegetable: False

Observations: W. U.S.A. to Mexico (Baja California Norte)

Description

Douglas’ sagewort, scientifically known as Artemisia douglasiana, is a perennial plant that belongs to the Asteraceae family. It was first described in 1833 by Besser in W.J. Hooker’s renowned work “Flora Boreali-Americana.” This remarkable species is native to a broad range extending from the western United States down to Baja California Norte in Mexico.

The plant typically thrives in various environments throughout its native range, which includes riverbanks, moist meadows, and open woodlands. Known for its distinct aromatic qualities, Douglas’ sagewort is characterized by its tall, slender stems which can reach an impressive height while supporting narrow, lance-shaped leaves that emit a strong, pleasant fragrance when crushed.

The foliage of Arbuthnot’s sagewort is often covered with a fine, silky hair, giving the leaves a somewhat silvery appearance. During the blooming season, which generally spans from late summer to early autumn, the plant produces clusters of small, yellowish to white flower heads. These flowers, while discreet compared to other members of the Asteraceae family, play a crucial role in the local ecosystem by providing nectar for various pollinators.

Beyond its ecological significance, Artemisia douglasiana has been historically utilized by Indigenous peoples and early settlers of its native region. The leaves and stems of Douglas’ sagewort have been employed in traditional medicine for their purported benefits, which include treating headaches, gastrointestinal issues, and even acting as a natural insect repellent.

In modern times, Douglas’ sagewort continues to be appreciated not only for its medicinal uses but also as an ornamental plant in gardens designed to mimic its natural habitat. It is especially favored for xeriscaping due to its adaptability and drought resistance.

In summary, Douglas’ sagewort is a versatile and resilient plant with deep-rooted cultural and ecological importance. Through its widespread distribution from the western United States to Baja California Norte, this species stands out for its aromatic qualities, medicinal applications, and role in native biodiversity.

Common Names

Eng: douglas sagewort, douglas’ sagewort, northwest mugwort, western mugwort, douglas’ wormwood, california mugwort
Fra: armoise de douglas
En: Douglas’ sagewort, Douglas’ Wormwood, Douglas sagewort, Northwest mugwort, Western mugwort, California mugwort
Fr: Armoise de Douglas
De: Amerikanisches Moxakraut
Fa: گیاه رویایی (برنجاسف)
Sv: Douglasmalört

Synonyms

• Artemisia caudata var. douglasiana ((Besser) B.Boivin)
• Artemisia commutata var. douglasiana ((Besser) Besser)
• Artemisia campestris var. douglasiana ((Besser ex Hook.) B.Boivin)
• Artemisia ludoviciana var. douglasiana ((Besser) D.C.Eaton)
• Artemisia desertorum var. douglasiana (Besser ex Hook.)
• Artemisia vulgaris subsp. douglasiana ((Besser) H.St.John)
• Artemisia vulgaris var. heterophylla ((H.St.John) Jeps.)

Distribution

• California (native)
• Mexico Northwest (native)
• Nevada (native)
• Oregon (native)
• Washington (native)

Additional Images

Leaf

Taken Jul 19, 2019 by Elle Emme (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 13, 2022 by Morán Jerez (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 19, 2019 by Elle Emme (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 19, 2019 by Elle Emme (cc-by-sa)

Taken Feb 28, 2022 by Orlando Agustín Edi (cc-by-sa)

Fruit

Taken Jul 19, 2019 by Elle Emme (cc-by-sa)

Flower

Taken Nov 17, 2014 by EOL − Richard Spellenberg (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Feb 18, 2008 by EOL − Keir Morse (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Feb 18, 2008 by EOL − Keir Morse (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Dec 12, 2008 by EOL − Keir Morse (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Aug 2, 2015 by EOL − James Bailey (cc-by-nc)

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/3121695)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:309108-2)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Artemisia douglasiana Besser ex Besser)

Specifications

Growth habit>: Forb/herb

Growth