Overview
Artemisia dracunculoides Pursh var. dracunculina (S. Wats.) Blake, also known as Russian tarragon, is a member of the Asteraceae family and is native to central and southern North America. It is a perennial herb that is commonly cultivated for its use in culinary and medicinal applications.
Description
Russian tarragon is a medium-sized plant that can grow up to 2 meters in height. Its leaves are lance-shaped and have a characteristic anise scent when crushed. The flowers are small, yellow, and form in tight clusters at the top of the plant's stems. It typically blooms in mid to late summer.
Common Names
Russian tarragon is also commonly known as wild tarragon, tarragon sagebrush, and dragon wormwood.
Uses
One of the most common uses of Russian tarragon is in culinary applications as a seasoning. Its leaves are used to flavor fish, meat, vegetables, and sauces. It is an essential ingredient in traditional French cuisine and is used to make tarragon vinegar and mustard. Russian tarragon is also used medicinally to treat a variety of ailments, including digestive issues and menstrual cramps.
Light Requirements
Artemisia dracunculoides Pursh var. dracunculina requires full sun to thrive. Plants grown in a shaded area will have reduced growth rate and may not flower.
Temperature Requirements
This plant species prefers cool and dry conditions. The recommended temperature range for growth is between 50 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit (10 to 21 degrees Celsius). High humidity and hot temperatures can lead to lower growth rates and increase susceptibility to diseases.
Soil Requirements
Artemisia dracunculoides Pursh var. dracunculina performs best in well-drained, alkaline soils. A pH range of 6.5 to 8.0 is ideal. The soil should be rich in calcium, potassium, and phosphorus. Avoid planting in heavy clay soils as it can lead to poor drainage.
It is important to note that the plant is highly tolerant of drought, but waterlogging may lead to root rot. Thus, gardeners should take care to ensure that the soil does not remain waterlogged for extended periods.
Cultivation
Artemisia dracunculoides Pursh var. dracunculina (S. Wats.) Blake is a hardy, drought-tolerant perennial plant that thrives in well-draining soil and full sunlight. It is native to the western United States and is commonly known as tarragon sagebrush.
The plant prefers a slightly alkaline soil pH of around 7.5, and it can tolerate temperatures ranging from -20°F to 100°F. It is best to plant tarragon sagebrush in the spring when the soil has warmed up, as it can take a few weeks for the plant to establish itself. The plant can grow up to 4 feet tall and 4 feet wide, so it should be spaced accordingly.
Watering Needs
Artemisia dracunculoides Pursh var. dracunculina (S. Wats.) Blake is a drought-tolerant plant and requires minimal watering. Once the plant is established, it only needs to be watered when the soil is completely dry. Overwatering can lead to root rot and other fungal diseases.
If the plant is grown in a container, it will need more frequent watering, as the soil can dry out quickly. It is best to water the plant in the morning or evening to avoid evaporation during the heat of the day.
Fertilization
Tarragon sagebrush is a low-maintenance plant that does not require much fertilization. In fact, over-fertilization can harm the plant. It is best to add a small amount of slow-release fertilizer to the soil in the spring when planting, and then again in mid-summer if the plant appears to be struggling.
The plant prefers a soil that is rich in nutrients, so adding organic matter in the form of compost or aged manure can be helpful.
Pruning
Artemisia dracunculoides Pursh var. dracunculina (S. Wats.) Blake does not require much pruning, as it has a naturally bushy and dense growth habit. However, if the plant becomes too leggy or starts to flop over, it can be pruned back by up to one-third of its height in late summer or early fall.
Deadheading spent flowers can also be done to encourage more blooming, but it is not necessary for the health of the plant.
Propagation of Artemisia dracunculoides Pursh var. dracunculina (S. Wats.) Blake
Artemisia dracunculoides Pursh var. dracunculina (S. Wats.) Blake, commonly known as tarragon sagebrush, is a perennial plant that belongs to the Asteraceae family. This plant species is native to North America, where it can be found in dry and rocky habitats. Propagation of Artemisia dracunculoides var. dracunculina can be achieved through seed sowing or vegetative propagation.
Seed propagation
Propagation of Artemisia dracunculoides var. dracunculina can be done through the use of seeds. Seeds of this plant species can be obtained by manually collecting them from mature plants or purchasing them from reputable seed suppliers. It is important to ensure that the seeds collected or purchased are fresh and viable.
The seeds of Artemisia dracunculoides var. dracunculina should be sown during the spring in well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. The seeds should be sown shallowly and covered lightly with soil. It is important to ensure that the soil is kept moist until the seeds germinate, which usually takes between 2-3 weeks.
Once the seeds have germinated, the seedlings can be transplanted into larger pots or directly into the garden. It is important to ensure that the seedlings are kept in a well-drained soil and provided with adequate sunlight and water.
Vegetative propagation
Vegetative propagation of Artemisia dracunculoides var. dracunculina can be achieved through the use of stem cuttings or division. Stem cuttings should be taken from healthy and mature plants during the spring or summer.
The stem cuttings should be taken from the top of the plant and should be approximately 6 inches long. The cuttings should be stripped of their lower leaves and should be planted in well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. The cuttings should be kept moist and should be provided with adequate sunlight and water until they form roots, which usually takes between 4-6 weeks.
Division can also be used to propagate Artemisia dracunculoides var. dracunculina. This method involves dividing the mature plant into smaller sections and transplanting them. The best time to divide the plant is during the spring or fall, and it should be done every 3-4 years to maintain the plant's health.
Propagation of Artemisia dracunculoides var. dracunculina through division can be done by digging up the mature plant and carefully separating the sections, ensuring that each section has roots attached. The sections can then be transplanted into their desired location and should be provided with adequate sunlight and water until they are established.
Disease Management
Artemisia dracunculoides Pursh var. dracunculina is a relatively hardy plant species that is resistant to many fungal and bacterial diseases. However, there are a few diseases that can affect the plant, including:
- Root Rot: This disease is caused by the Rhizoctonia solani fungus and is characterized by the wilting and yellowing of the plant. To prevent this disease, plant the species in well-draining soil and avoid overwatering. Treatment involves removing and destroying affected plants and improving soil drainage to reduce the risk of further infections.
- Mildew: Powdery mildew is a fungal disease that can affect A. dracunculoides. Signs of infection include white or grayish powdery spots that appear on the leaves and stems. This disease can be prevented by keeping the plant well-ventilated and avoiding overhead watering. Treatment usually involves removing infected plant parts and applying fungicide to prevent further spread.
- Rust: Rust is a fungal disease that can cause rust-colored spots anywhere on the plant. It spreads through the air and can be prevented by removing affected leaves and preventing water splash. Treatment involves application of fungicide recommended for rust.
Pest Management
There are various types of pests that can attack Artemisia dracunculoides Pursh var. dracunculina. Below are some common pests and the management approaches for each:
- Aphids: These tiny insects are pear-shaped and generally green in color. They feed on plant sap, leaving behind sticky residue and causing leaf curling, stunted growth, and yellowing leaves. To control aphids, you can introduce natural predators such as ladybugs or lacewings into your garden, or use insecticidal soap to eradicate them.
- Spider Mites: These pests are not true insects, but rather arachnids that suck sap from the plant. They are very small and can be detected by the pale spotting on the leaves. You may notice fine webs between leaves as well. Spider mites prefer hot and dry conditions. It can be controlled by routinely washing or spraying the plant with water to increase humidity, insecticidal soap is also an option for effective treatment.
- Leafhoppers: These pests are small insects with wedge-shaped bodies that jump when disturbed. They feed on plant sap and can cause stippling or yellowing of leaves. Natural predators, such as spiders, can be introduced to the garden to control leafhopper population, while insecticidal soap can be used to control heavy infestations.
