Artemisia douglasiana

Common Names:

• Douglas’ Sagewort
• California Mugwort
• Dream Plant

Phonetic Spelling:

ar-te-MIZ-ee-uh dug-las-ee-AY-nuh

Description:

Artemisia douglasiana is a perennial herbaceous plant that typically grows 0.5 to 1.5 meters (1.5 to 5 feet) tall. It has slender, upright stems and a bushy appearance. The leaves are lance-shaped, 5 to 12 centimeters (2 to 5 inches) long, and gray-green in color. They have a distinct aromatic scent when crushed and are covered with fine hairs. The plant produces small, yellowish-green to white flower heads in late summer to fall. The flowers are arranged in elongated clusters and are not particularly showy

Distribution/Location:

Artemisia douglasiana is native to western North America, primarily found from British Columbia to California and as far east as Montana and New Mexico.

Environmental Concerns:

Artemisia is relatively common and widespread within its native range.

Conservation efforts focus on protecting natural habitats from urban development and invasive species. We work with this species often while volunteering at the Irvine Ranch Conservancy!

Additional Notes:

California Mugwort plays an important role in its ecosystem by providing habitat and food for various insects and small mammals. It is also known for its ability to improve soil health and prevent erosion.