Artemisia tilesii
| Artemisia tilesii | |
| Light: |   |
| Moisture: |   |
| Soil pH: | 5.6-8.4 |
| Height: | 5' |
| Native to: | |
| Edible Rating: |  |
| Medicinal Rating: |  |
| Tea: | Yes |
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Artemisia tilesii (common name: wormwood)
Propagation: Seed - surface sow from late winter to early summer in a greenhouse, making sure that the compost does not dry out[1]. 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[1].
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.
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. 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[2][1]. Established plants are drought tolerant[1]. Plants are longer lived, more hardy and more aromatic when they are grown in a poor dry soil[3].
Members of this genus are rarely if ever troubled by browsing deer[4].
Range: E. Asia to North-western N. America.
Habitat: Open rocky or gravelly wet or dry sites, mostly at rather high elevations in the mountains, but descending at times to sea level, N. Montana to Alaska[5].
Edibility: The leaves are used for flavouring rice dumplings[6]. The raw shoots are peeled and eaten, usually with oil[7].
Medicinal: The plant is antirheumatic, antitumor, disinfectant, febrifuge, haemostatic, laxative and tonic[7]. It is used in the treatment of cancer and to prevent infections in wounds etc[7]. An infusion of the leaves and flowering tops is used as a laxative and to treat stomach aches[7]. An infusion is used internally to treat rheumatism and is also applied externally to swollen joints[7]. A poultice of the leaves is applied to skin infections and to cuts to stop the bleeding[7]. A decoction is used as an eyewash[7].
The plant has properties similar to codeine[8]. The report does not specify which part of the plant is used[K]. Codeine is used as a painkiller.
Usage: The freshly crushed leaves can be rubbed on the hands to remove odours[7].
The plant is used as an incense and deodorant in the home[7].
Pollinators: Insects
Soil: Can grow in light and medium soils.
Drainage: Prefers well drained soil.
Flower Type: Hermaphrodite
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[9].
Also Known As: A. unalaskensis. Rydb.
Links
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 Huxley, Anthony. The New Royal Horticultural Society Dictionary of Gardening. MacMillan Press, 1992.
- ↑ Chittendon, Fred. RHS Dictionary of Plants. Oxford University Press, 1951.
- ↑ Genders, Roy. Scented Flora of the World. Robert Hale, 1994.
- ↑ Thomas, Graham. Perennial Garden Plants. J. M. Dent & Sons, 1990.
- ↑ Hitchcock, Leo. Vascular Plants of the Pacific Northwest. University of Washington Press, 1955.
- ↑ Kunkel, Günther. Plants for Human Consumption. Koeltz Scientific Books, 1984.
- ↑ 7.0 7.1 7.2 7.3 7.4 7.5 7.6 7.7 7.8 Moerman, Daniel. Native American Ethnobotany. Timber Press, 1998.
- ↑ Bown, Deni. Royal Horticultural Society Encyclopaedia of Herbs and Their Uses. Dorling Kindersley, 1995.
- ↑ Foster, Steven and Billy Tatum. Medicinal Plants of Eastern and Central North America. Houghton Mifflin, 1990.