Origin
Artemisia campestris L. ssp. borealis (Pallas) Hall & Clements var. wormskioldii (Bess. ex Hook.) Cronq. is native to the Arctic and subarctic regions of North America and Eurasia.
Common Names
This plant is commonly known as Wormwood, Arctic Wormwood, and Wormwood Sagebrush.
Uses
Artemisia campestris ssp. borealis var. wormskioldii has been used traditionally for medicinal purposes by indigenous communities. It has been used to treat various ailments such as fever, cough, and digestive issues. The plant's leaves and branches have also been used to make a tea or smoked for its mild hallucinogenic effects. In addition, the plant's essential oil has been used as a natural insecticide and repellent.
General Appearance
This perennial herbaceous plant typically grows up to 30cm tall and has woody stems at the base. The leaves are narrow and finely dissected, greyish-green in color. The flowers are small, yellow-green and are arranged in dense clusters on the plant's branches. Overall the plant has a distinctive sage-like fragrance.
Light Requirements
Artemisia campestris L. ssp. borealis (Pallas) Hall & Clements var. wormskioldii (Bess. ex Hook.) Cronq. is a plant that thrives in areas where there is plenty of sunlight. The plant requires at least six hours of direct sunlight each day to grow successfully. Planting the species in a location that allows for sufficient light will ensure that it grows well and remains healthy. This is especially important when growing this plant in regions with long winter nights or cloudy climates.
Temperature Requirements
The ideal temperature range for Artemisia campestris L. ssp. borealis (Pallas) Hall & Clements var. wormskioldii (Bess. ex Hook.) Cronq. growth is between 20°C and 30°C. The plant is extremely drought-resistant and can tolerate cold temperatures as low as -10°C. However, it cannot survive in areas with freezing temperatures for extended periods, especially in the winter season. In general, low winter temperatures will significantly inhibit plant growth, especially in regions with unstable climates. Therefore, the plant requires warm temperatures and proper insulation during the winter season for optimal growth.
Soil Requirements
Artemisia campestris L. ssp. borealis (Pallas) Hall & Clements var. wormskioldii (Bess. ex Hook.) Cronq. requires well-drained soils for growth. The plant prefers dry to moderately dry soils with good drainage and a pH of 6.0 to 8.0. Although the plant can grow in clay soils, it thrives best in sandy soils. When planting the plant species, it is important to avoid water-logged soils, which can cause root rot and stunted growth. Therefore, sterilized and well-drained soils are the best choice for growing this plant species.
Cultivation methods
Artemisia campestris L. ssp. borealis (Pallas) Hall & Clements var. wormskioldii (Bess. ex Hook.) Cronq. requires well-drained soil and full sunlight to thrive. It is recommended to grow the plant from seed in the early spring or fall. The seeds should be sown directly into the soil and covered with a thin layer of soil. It is important to space the seeds at least 12 inches apart to give room for growth. The plant can also be propagated through stem cuttings taken in the early summer.
Watering needs
Artemisia campestris L. ssp. borealis (Pallas) Hall & Clements var. wormskioldii (Bess. ex Hook.) Cronq. is drought-resistant, but it still requires regular watering during its growing season. Young plants should be kept moist, but not waterlogged. Established plants can tolerate dry spells, but they should be watered deeply and infrequently in those cases. Watering should be reduced in the fall and winter months.
Fertilization
Artemisia campestris L. ssp. borealis (Pallas) Hall & Clements var. wormskioldii (Bess. ex Hook.) Cronq. does not require excessive fertilization. In fact, too much fertilizer can lead to an overgrowth of the plant and a decrease in the quality of its essential oils. A slow-release fertilizer high in nitrogen and potassium can be applied once a year in the early spring, but it should be used sparingly.
Pruning
Artemisia campestris L. ssp. borealis (Pallas) Hall & Clements var. wormskioldii (Bess. ex Hook.) Cronq. does not require frequent pruning, but it can benefit from an occasional trim to promote bushier and fuller growth. The plant should be pruned in the early spring before new growth appears. Dead or damaged stems should be removed, and the remaining stems should be cut back by a third. It is important not to cut back more than a third of the plant as this can damage its growth.
Propagation Methods for Artemisia campestris L. ssp. borealis (Pallas) Hall & Clements var. wormskioldii (Bess. ex Hook.) Cronq.
Artemisia campestris L. ssp. borealis (Pallas) Hall & Clements var. wormskioldii (Bess. ex Hook.) Cronq. can be propagated through both seed and vegetative methods.
Seed Propagation
The seeds of Artemisia campestris L. ssp. borealis (Pallas) Hall & Clements var. wormskioldii (Bess. ex Hook.) Cronq. can be directly sown into well-draining soil during the spring or fall. The seed requires light to germinate, so it is recommended to cover with a very thin layer of soil or simply press onto the soil without covering. Germination can take several weeks, and it is important to maintain moist soil until the seedling has established.
Vegetative Propagation
Artemisia campestris L. ssp. borealis (Pallas) Hall & Clements var. wormskioldii (Bess. ex Hook.) Cronq. can also be propagated through stem cuttings taken during the growing season. Cuttings should be taken from healthy, disease-free plants and inserted into well-draining soil or a rooting hormone. Maintain moisture until the cutting has established.
Disease Management
Artemisia campestris L. ssp. borealis (Pallas) Hall & Clements var. wormskioldii (Bess. ex Hook.) Cronq. is generally resistant to most diseases, but some fungal and bacterial infections can occur.
Fungal Diseases: Some common fungal diseases that can affect the plant include powdery mildew, rust, and downy mildew. These infections can be managed by using fungicides and improving air circulation around the plant through pruning and proper spacing. It is also essential to avoid overhead watering and to remove any infected plant material to prevent the spread of the disease.
Bacterial Diseases: Leaf spot and blight are bacterial infections that can affect the plant. These diseases can be managed by applying copper-based fungicides, removing infected plant parts, and avoiding overhead watering.
Pest Management
Artemisia campestris L. ssp. borealis (Pallas) Hall & Clements var. wormskioldii (Bess. ex Hook.) Cronq. is generally not prone to pest infestations, but some insects can cause damage to the plant.
Aphids: Aphids can sometimes infest the plant, causing stunted growth and yellow leaves. These pests can be managed using insecticidal soaps or neem oil, or by introducing natural predators like ladybugs and lacewings.
Spider Mites: Spider mites can also infest the plant, causing discoloration and webbing on the leaves. These pests can be managed by washing the plant with a strong stream of water or by applying insecticidal soap or neem oil.
Cutworms: Cutworms can occasionally feed on the stem of the plant, cutting it at the base. These pests can be managed by applying a barrier of diatomaceous earth around the base of the plant or by using Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt).
Regular monitoring of the plant is a crucial aspect of pest and disease management, as early detection and intervention can help prevent serious damage to the plant.
