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Artemisia arborescens - L.

Common Name Tree Wormwood
Family Asteraceae
USDA hardiness 8-10
Known Hazards Although no reports of toxicity have been seen for this species, skin contact with some members of this genus can cause dermatitis or other allergic reactions in some people[222].
Habitats Maquis and forest[288]
Range Mediterranean - Portugal and Spain to Greece; Algeria to Libya; Turkey and the Levant
Edibility Rating    (0 of 5)
Other Uses    (3 of 5)
Weed Potential No
Medicinal Rating    (2 of 5)
Care (info)
Tender Well drained soil Moist Soil Full sun
Artemisia arborescens Tree Wormwood


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Artemisia arborescens Tree Wormwood
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Summary

Tree Wormwood is commonly used in xeriscaping, coastal landscaping, and as a hedge or border plant. Its aromatic leaves are often used in traditional medicine and as a natural pest repellent. Due to their pest-repellent properties, Artemisia species are often used for soil improvement, as ground cover, and in companion planting. Some species are also used for erosion control.


Physical Characteristics

 icon of manicon of shrub
Artemisia arborescens is an evergreen Shrub growing to 1 m (3ft 3in) by 1 m (3ft 3in) at a fast rate.
See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 10 and is not frost tender. The flowers are pollinated by Wind, Insects. The plant is self-fertile.
It is noted for attracting wildlife.
Suitable for: light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils, prefers well-drained soil and can grow in nutritionally poor soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils and can grow in very alkaline and saline soils.
It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers dry or moist soil and can tolerate drought. The plant can tolerate maritime exposure.

UK Hardiness Map US Hardiness Map

Synonyms

Absinthium arborescens (L.) Moench in Methodus. A. elegans Salisb. Absinthium argenteum Besser. A. argentea Seb. & Maur. ex Willk. & Lange.

Plant Habitats

Edible Uses

None known

References   More on Edible Uses

Medicinal Uses

Plants For A Future can not take any responsibility for any adverse effects from the use of plants. Always seek advice from a professional before using a plant medicinally.


The Greeks and the Arabs applied this plant vaginally for contraceptive purposes[289]. The aerial parts of the plant contain artemisan, a natural contraceptive[289]. The plant has antiviral properties that have been demonstrated as effective in vitro against Herpes simplex virus 1[291]. A new sequiterpene lactone 3a,4a-10ß-trihydroxy-8a-acetyloxyguaian-12,6a-olide, has been isolated from aerial parts of this plant[289].

References   More on Medicinal Uses

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Other Uses

An essential oil obtained from the plant has demonstrated insecticidal activity against various insects[291]. The main constituents of the oil are ?-pinene, ß-thujone, camphor, beta-carophyllene and chamazulene[291]. Yields of 0.8% have been achieved from the leaves[291]. It is commonly used in xeriscaping, coastal landscaping, and as a hedge or border plant. Its aromatic leaves are often used in traditional medicine and as a natural pest repellent. Due to their pest-repellent properties, Artemisia species are often used for soil improvement, as ground cover, and in companion planting. Some species are also used for erosion control. Nectary - Flowers rich in nectar and pollen: Artemisia species produce flowers that can provide nectar and pollen, attracting various pollinators, including bees. Wildlife - Food (Fruit, Seeds, Leaf litter, Shelter, Nesting, Roosting): The leaves of some Artemisia species are consumed by various insects and herbivores. Additionally, the plant can provide cover for small wildlife. Invertebrate Shelter (Overwintering sites, Leaf litter, Groundcover): The dense foliage can offer shelter and overwintering sites for beneficial insects, and the leaf litter can provide habitat for various invertebrates. Pest Confuser (Smell): Many Artemisia species are aromatic and can confuse or repel pests due to their strong scent, which may deter some insects.

Special Uses

References   More on Other Uses

Cultivation details

The aerial parts can be harvested in summer when they are in full bloom, while roots can be harvested in autumn. Artemisia arborescens is only hardy in the milder regions of the temperate zone, tolerating temperatures down to about -5°c[200]. Succeeds in any well-drained, moderately fertile circumneutral or slightly alkaline soil, preferring a position in full sun[200]. Soil Texture: It prefers light (sandy) or medium soils but tolerates poor, rocky soils. Soil Moisture: Thrives in dry to moderately moist soils. It is highly drought-tolerant and performs poorly in consistently wet or waterlogged conditions. Drainage: Requires well-drained soil. Waterlogged conditions can lead to root rot. Soil pH: Prefers neutral to alkaline soils but can tolerate slightly acidic conditions. Saline Tolerance: Can tolerate some salinity, making it suitable for coastal gardens. Tolerance of Poor Soil: It thrives in poor, nutrient-deficient soils, particularly in arid or semi-arid conditions. Light Requirements: Requires full sun for optimal growth and aromatic foliage. It may tolerate very light shade, but this can reduce its vigour. Height: Typically grows to about 1–2 meters (3–6 feet) tall, depending on conditions. Pollination: Primarily wind-pollinated, insects sometimes visit its small, inconspicuous flowers. Temperature: Frost-hardy and well-suited to USDA zones 8–10. It thrives in Mediterranean and semi-arid climates. Pests and Diseases: Generally pest-resistant but may occasionally suffer from fungal diseases in overly wet conditions. Plants in this genus tend to live longer, more hardy and more aromatic when grown in poor, dry soil[245]. A very polymorphic species (exhibits significant variation in its physical characteristics, genetic makeup, or other traits within a single population or across different populations. This variation can occur naturally and is often influenced by genetic, environmental, or ecological factors). The native range of this species is Central & E. Medit., SW. Yemen. It is a subshrub or shrub and grows primarily in the subtropical biome. It has been introduced into Baleares, Chatham Is., New South Wales, Portugal, South Australia, Spain, Victoria, and Western Australia [2-5]. Artemisia typically flowers in summer. The specific epithet arborescens means "woody" or "tree-like".

References   Carbon Farming Information and Carbon Sequestration Information

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Plant Propagation

Seed - surface sow from late winter to early summer in a greenhouse. The seed usually germinates within 2 - 26 weeks at 15°c[134]. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots. Cuttings of half-ripe wood, mid-summer. Division in spring or autumn.

Other Names

If available other names are mentioned here

Great Mugwort

Native Range

Native to: Algeria, Corse, Cyprus, East Aegean Is., France, Greece, Italy, Kriti, Lebanon-Syria, Libya, Morocco, Palestine, Sardegna, Sicilia, Tunisia, Turkey, Yemen, Yugoslavia. [2-5]

Weed Potential

Right plant wrong place. We are currently updating this section. Please note that a plant may be invasive in one area but may not in your area so it’s worth checking.

None Known

Conservation Status

IUCN Red List of Threatened Plants Status : Not Available

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Growth: S = slow M = medium F = fast. Soil: L = light (sandy) M = medium H = heavy (clay). pH: A = acid N = neutral B = basic (alkaline). Shade: F = full shade S = semi-shade N = no shade. Moisture: D = dry M = Moist We = wet Wa = water.

 

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