Artemisia keiskeana

Artemisia keiskeana
(c) Chuangzao, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC), uploaded by Chuangzao

At a glance

Lifecycle
Perennial (hardy)
Exposure
Full sun

Cultivation

We have very little information on this species and do not know if it will be hardy in Britain, though judging by its native range it should succeed outdoors in many parts of this country. This species is closely related to A. dracunculus. The following notes are based on the general needs of the genus. Easily grown in a well-drained circumneutral or slightly alkaline loamy soil, preferring a warm sunny dry position. Established plants are drought tolerant. Members of this genus are rarely if ever troubled by browsing deer.

Propagation

Seed - surface sow from late winter to early summer in a greenhouse, making sure that the compost does not dry out. When large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in the greenhouse for their first winter. Plant out in late spring or early summer. Division in spring or autumn. Basal cuttings in late spring. Harvest the young shoots when about10 - 15cm long, pot up in a lightly shaded position in a greenhouse or cold frame and plant them out when well rooted. Very easy.

Edible uses

Young leaves and shoot tips - cooked.

Medicinal uses

Used in the treatment of impotence, amenorrhoea, post-partum pain etc.

Material uses

The stalks are used for thatching.

Habitat

Mountains all over Japan.

Native range

E. Asia - China, Japan, Korea and eastern Russia.

Same genus