1. California Mugwort – Artemesia douglasiana
(ar-tuh-MEE-see-a
dug-las-ee-AY(or ANN)-nuh)
Family: Asteraceae (Sunflower Family)
Native to: Much of the western U.S. coast from OR to Baja & inland to NV; found in moist areas of
many plant communities including freshwater marshes, coastal sage scrub, chaparral, oak
woodlands and even pine forest.
Growth characteristics: spreading perennial
mature height: 1-5 ft. mature width: spreading
Perennial shrub/sub-shrub arising from a rhizome. Grows vigorously in the late winter through midspring.
Blooms/fruits:
Blooms June through October. Flowers small, yellow-green, insignificant.
Uses in the garden: Mostly used as ground-cover in areas receiving a little summer water. Pleasant
mint-like look (leaves are white beneath; green above) and sage-like aroma. Can be invasive, so
best used only in contained areas, or on dry hillsides for erosion control. Does fine under trees &
taller shrubs like Mule Fat, willows. An important medicinal & spiritual plant for Native Californians.
Sensible substitute for: Non-native ground-cover plants like ivy.
Attracts: Provides cover for ground-feeling birds and seeds for food. Provides nectar for insects.
Requirements:
Element
Sun
Soil
Water
Fertilizer
Other
Requirement
Full sun to part shade (probably better in many warmer gardens)
Any local texture, pH
Low summer water needs, but can take occasional summer water. Can stand
seasonal flooding.
Organic mulch fine
Prune back to ground in late fall/winter for a more manicured look. Locate where
will not become invasive – forms large colonies if given the opportunity. Pretty easy to grow.
Management:
Propagation:
from seed: fresh seed, summer
by cuttings: best by divisions, rhizomes
Plant/seed sources (see list for source numbers): 1-3, 5, 8, 10, 12-14, 16, 18, 20, 24 11/23/10
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