Russian Wormwood (Artemisia sacrorum)
At a glance
- Lifecycle
- Perennial (hardy)
- Exposure
- Full sun
- Frost limit
- −40 °C
Cultivation
Easily grown in a well-drained circumneutral or slightly alkaline loamy soil, preferring a warm sunny dry position. This species is closely related to Artemisia gmelinii and is often confused with that species. We are not sure if this plant is annual, biennial or perennial, since various reports differ. 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
One report says that the plant is edible but gives no more details.
Habitat
Widespread throughout China on hills, waysides, shrublands, slopes (where it is often dominant on southern slopes), roadsides and forest steppe from low to middle elevations.
Native range
E. Asia - from Afghanistan to India, Tibet, China and Mongolia.