Origin
Artemisia arctica Less. ssp. beringensis (Hultén) Hultén, also known as Bering wormwood, is a perennial plant that is native to North America, Europe, and Asia. It is primarily found in the Arctic and alpine regions of these continents.
Common Names
Bering wormwood is commonly known as Arctic wormwood and northern wormwood. In some regions, it is also referred to as polar wormwood.
Uses
Bering wormwood has a long history of traditional medicinal use. The plant has been used to treat a variety of ailments, including stomach pains, digestive issues, and respiratory problems. It is also believed to have antibacterial, antifungal, and antiparasitic properties.
In addition to its medicinal use, the plant is also used as a flavoring agent in alcoholic beverages, including absinthe and vermouth. Its aromatic leaves are also used in traditional smoking mixtures in some regions.
General Appearance
Bering wormwood is a small, bushy plant with a woody stem and greenish-grey leaves that are coated with fine hairs. The plant can grow up to 30 centimeters (12 inches) in height and has a characteristic strong, bitter odor. The leaves of the plant have a distinctive, silver-grey color and are deeply divided, giving them a feathery appearance.
Bering wormwood produces small, greenish-yellow flowers that bloom in dense clusters at the tips of the plant's branches. The flowers appear in mid-summer and are wind-pollinated. After flowering, the plant produces numerous small, brownish-black seeds that are dispersed by the wind.
Overall, Bering wormwood is a hardy and resilient plant that is well-suited to the harsh environments of the Arctic and alpine regions where it grows.
Light Requirements
Artemisia arctica Less. ssp. beringensis (Hultén) Hultén is known to thrive in full sunlight. It requires at least six hours of direct sunlight exposure per day to grow. Insufficient exposure to sunlight can cause stunted growth and hinder the development of flowers. In areas with hot climates, the plant may require partial shade.
Temperature Requirements
Artemisia arctica Less. ssp. beringensis (Hultén) Hultén is a cold-tolerant plant that grows well in subarctic and alpine environments. The plant can survive temperatures down to -40°C and can withstand long periods of frost. Optimal growth temperature ranges from 10°C to 18°C, and temperatures above 20°C can cause heat stress and damage the plant.
Soil Requirements
The plant prefers well-drained soils with low to moderate fertility levels. The ideal soil pH should be between 5.0 to 7.5. The plant is adapted to grow in various soil types, including sandy soils or soils that contain a combination of sand and silt. It can grow in nutrient-poor soils with low levels of organic matter. Due to its tolerance to cold climates, the plant can grow in areas with permafrost and poorly drained soils.
Cultivation Methods
The Artemisia arctica Less. ssp. beringensis (Hultén) Hultén is a shrub that grows best in well-drained soil, in areas with low moisture content, and dry, cold climates. These plants require full sunlight to thrive, and they don't do well in shady areas. Areas that experience high winds are ideal for these plants because they can tolerate harsh environmental conditions.
It is best to grow these plants from seedling or cuttings, and they should be planted in the soil at a depth equal to the size of their root balls. Artemisia arctica should be spaced at least three feet apart to allow them to grow without overcrowding.
Watering Needs
Artemisia arctica has low watering needs as they can tolerate dry climates and shallow soils. It's best to avoid over-watering the plant to prevent root rots and other plant diseases that may damage the plant. The plant should be watered less frequently during the winter season as they become dormant during this period and do not require much water.
Fertilization
These plants require minimal fertilization, and it's best to add a small amount of organic compost or manure to the soil annually. Fertilizers that are high in nitrogen are not recommended as they promote excess leaf growth that may compromise the overall growth of the plant.
Pruning
Pruning Artemisia arctica should be done to maintain plant size and shape. These shrubs should be pruned in the early spring when new growth starts to emerge. Pruning should be done by using sharp pruning shears to make clean cuts to avoid damaging the plant. Dead or damaged branches should also be removed as they may harbor pests or diseases that may infect the plant.
Propagation of Artemisia arctica Less. ssp. beringensis (Hultén) Hultén
The propagation of Artemisia arctica Less. ssp. beringensis (Hultén) Hultén can be carried out through seeds or cuttings.
Propagation through Seeds
The seeds of Artemisia arctica Less. ssp. beringensis (Hultén) Hultén can be sown directly in the ground or in a pot. The ideal time for sowing seeds is in the spring season. The seeds should be sown in well-drained soil and should be covered with a thin layer of soil. The seeds should be watered gently, and care should be taken to ensure that the soil does not dry out. The seedlings will emerge in a few weeks and can be transplanted to their desired location once they have developed sufficiently.
Propagation through Cuttings
Artemisia arctica Less. ssp. beringensis (Hultén) Hultén can also be propagated through cuttings. Softwood cuttings of the plant can be taken in the spring or summer season. The cuttings should be about 4-6 inches long and should have at least two nodes. The lower node should be dipped in a rooting hormone solution and planted in well-drained soil. The cuttings should be watered regularly, and humidity should be maintained around them by covering with a plastic sheet. The cuttings will root in about 3-4 weeks and can be transplanted to their desired location once they have developed sufficiently.
Disease Management
Artemisia arctica Less. ssp. beringensis (Hultén) Hultén, also known as Arctic wormwood, is generally resilient and resistant to most diseases that affect other plants. However, it is not immune to some pathogens. Root rot and stem canker are the most common diseases that affect the plant. Root rot is caused by waterlogged soil and is characterized by the yellowing and wilting of leaves. To manage root rot, ensure proper drainage by removing excess water and use well-draining soil.
Stem canker, on the other hand, is caused by fungal infections and is characterized by the presence of cankers on the stems of the plant. To manage stem canker, remove the infected parts and apply fungicides. It is also important to ensure that the plant is not stressed due to drought or excessive heat. Proper watering and fertilization can help prevent stress and disease.
Pest Management
Artemisia arctica Less. ssp. beringensis is not frequently attacked by pests. However, some occasional visitors might cause damage to the plant. Aphids are a common pest that suck the sap from the plant, causing stunted growth and deformities. To manage aphids, use insecticidal soap or neem oil and encourage natural predators such as ladybugs and lacewings to feed on them.
Another pest that might cause damage to the plant is spider mites. They feed on the plant’s leaves, causing yellowing and wilting. To manage spider mites, use insecticidal soap or neem oil and create a humid environment around the plant by misting it regularly.
It is important to note that some pests and diseases might be prevented by ensuring the plant is in the right environment and regularly checking for symptoms. Proper plant care and early detection can save your plant from severe damage.
