Family: Asteraceae
Author: L.
Bibliography: Sp. Pl. ed. 2 2: 1188 (1763)
Year: 1763
Status: accepted
Rank: species
Genus: Artemisia
Vegetable: False
Observations: Medit., SW. Yemen
Description
Shrubby mugwort, scientifically known as Artemisia arborescens, is an intriguing species belonging to the Asteraceae family. Originally documented in the second edition of Species Plantarum in 1763, this plant holds a venerable place in botanical literature, thanks to the contributions of its author, Carl Linnaeus.
This aromatic shrub is prevalently found in Mediterranean regions and the southwestern parts of Yemen. Adapting well to these climates, shrubby mugwort displays a range of distinctive characteristics that make it both an appealing and useful plant.
One of the primary features of Artemisia arborescens is its dense, bushy growth. The plant typically reaches a height of 1-2 meters, forming a sprawling, silver-green mass of finely divided leaves. These leaves give off a pleasant, slightly bitter fragrance when crushed, which is a trait attributed to the presence of essential oils. The foliage’s silvery hue also provides a striking contrast in garden settings, alongside other flora.
During the blooming season, shrubby mugwort produces an array of small, yellowish flower heads. These flowers, though modest in appearance, are clustered densely and add a subtle charm to the plant’s aesthetic. Moreover, the blooms attract a variety of pollinators, thus playing a beneficial role in the local ecosystem.
Beyond its visual and aromatic appeal, Artemisia arborescens possesses several uses. Traditionally, parts of the plant have been employed in folk medicine, particularly within its native regions. Its essential oils are known for their antiseptic and insect-repellent properties, making them valuable in both medicinal and household applications.
Cultivating shrubby mugwort is relatively straightforward, as it is a hardy plant that thrives in well-drained soil and full sunlight. It is drought-tolerant once established, making it an excellent choice for xeriscaping and sustainable gardening practices in arid and semi-arid regions.
In summary, Artemisia arborescens or shrubby mugwort is a versatile and resilient species. Its historical significance, coupled with its aesthetic appeal and practical uses, makes it a noteworthy addition to both botanical collections and everyday gardens.
Common Names
Fra: armoise arborescente
Eng: shrubby mugwort, hedge artemisia
Deu: strauch-beifuß
Por: absinto-de-portugal, losna-arbustiva, losna-de-portugal, losna-do-algarve
Spa: ajenjo de montaña, ajenjo moruno, donzell, donzell arbustiu, donzell bord, donzell de muntanya
En: Shrubby Mugwort, Hedge artemisia
Ar: شيح شجيري
Ca: Donzell arbustiu
Fi: Välimerenmaruna
Fr: Armoise arborescente
De: Strauch-Beifuß
He: לענה שיחנית
It: Assenzio arbustivo
Fa: برنجاسف درختی
Pt: Absinto-de-portugal, Losna-arbustiva, Losna-de-portugal, Losna-do-algarve
Es: Ajenjo de montaña, Ajenjo moruno, Donzell, Donzell arbustiu, Donzell bord, Donzell de muntanya
: Shrubby mugwort
Synonyms
- Artemisia elegans (Salisb.)
- Artemisia argentea (Seb. & Maur. ex Willk. & Lange)
- Absinthium argenteum (Besser)
- Absinthium arborescens (Moench)
Distribution
- Algeria (native)
- Baleares (native)
- Corse (native)
- Cyprus (native)
- East Aegean Is. (native)
- France (native)
- Greece (native)
- Italy (native)
- Kriti (native)
- Lebanon-Syria (native)
- Libya (native)
- Morocco (native)
- Palestine (native)
- Portugal (native)
- Sardegna (native)
- Sicilia (native)
- Spain (native)
- Tunisia (native)
- Turkey (native)
- Yemen (native)
- Yugoslavia (native)
- Chatham Is. (introduced)
- New South Wales (introduced)
- South Australia (introduced)
- Victoria (introduced)
- Western Australia (introduced)
Additional Images
Leaf
Taken Sep 10, 2021 by luc Echilley (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jan 21, 2021 by Sánchez Herrera Manuel (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jan 7, 2021 by sanz francisco (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 27, 2020 by mohammed bouaiadi (cc-by-sa)
Taken Oct 23, 2020 by Rocco Romeo (cc-by-sa)
Habit
Taken Mar 25, 2007 by Tela Botanica − Errol VELA (cc-by-sa)
Taken Feb 26, 2017 by Tela Botanica − Patrick LEBOULENGER (cc-by-sa)
Taken Oct 9, 2016 by Tela Botanica − Patrick LEBOULENGER (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 2, 2012 by Martin Bishop (cc-by-sa)
Taken Nov 22, 2022 by gonzalez pendola (cc-by-sa)
Other
Taken May 31, 2017 by Daniel Barthelemy (cc-by-nc)
Taken May 31, 2017 by Daniel Barthelemy (cc-by-nc)
Taken May 31, 2021 by Miguel Moreno (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 8, 2021 by Marie-Laure Seguin (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 7, 2021 by Andrew Ash (cc-by-sa)
Flower
Taken Jun 2, 2012 by Martin Bishop (cc-by-sa)
Taken Aug 23, 2022 by Lucy Brient (cc-by-sa)
Taken Nov 7, 2021 by Danielle Caron (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jan 14, 2020 by Dorten Débora (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 26, 2020 by quentin pryce (cc-by-sa)
Bark
Taken Jul 5, 2022 by 67terzi (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 8, 2021 by Marie-Laure Seguin (cc-by-sa)
Taken Mar 16, 2022 by John Appel (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 3, 2019 by Naturalex (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 2, 2012 by Martin Bishop (cc-by-sa)
Fruit
Taken May 31, 2020 by wm william (cc-by-sa)
© 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/3120677)
- POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:179213-1)
- PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Artemisia arborescens (Vaill.) L.)
Specifications
Growth habit>: Subshrub
Growth
Ph maximum: 7.5
Ph minimum: 7.0
Light: 9
Atmospheric humidity: 4
Bloom months: [‘jun’, ‘jul’]
Soil nutriments: 6
Soil salinity: 8