Artemisia vulgaris L. var. selengensis (Turcz. ex Bess.) Maxim.
Artemisia vulgaris L. var. selengensis, also known as Selenge mugwort, is a perennial plant that belongs to the Asteraceae family. As the name suggests, this plant variety is a subspecies of Artemisia vulgaris L., which is native to Europe and Asia.
Common Names
Selenge mugwort is also known by other common names such as Selenga wormwood, Siberian mugwort, and Mongolian mugwort. These names indicate the plant's wide distribution across eastern Europe and Asia.
Uses
For centuries, mugwort has been used in traditional medicine and cuisine. Selenge mugwort contains various compounds such as flavonoids, sesquiterpenes, and essential oils, which contribute to its medicinal properties. It is used to alleviate digestive disorders, menstrual cramps, and respiratory problems.
The plant is also used in traditional Asian cuisines, mainly in soups. Additionally, it is an ingredient in the Korean traditional liquor 'suljuice' and the Japanese traditional sweet 'yomogi mochi'.
General Appearance
Selenge mugwort can grow up to 3 feet in height and has a yellow-brown stem covered in fine hairs. The leaves are characterized by their pinnate structure, with each leaf having 3-5 pointed lobes. The plant produces small, white or yellowish flowers that bloom in summer.
The plant thrives in well-drained soils, with full sun or partial shade exposure. It can be propagated through seeds or by dividing the root clump. Selenge mugwort has become naturalized in parts of North America and is considered an invasive species in some regions.
Growth Conditions for Artemisia vulgaris L. var. selengensis
Light Requirements: Artemisia vulgaris L. var. selengensis grows best in full sun, but can tolerate partial shade. In areas with intense heat, however, some shade during the hottest part of the day may be necessary to prevent sunscald.
Temperature Requirements: This plant prefers cool to moderate temperatures and can tolerate temperatures as low as -40°C (-40°F). It thrives in climates that experience cold winters with well-drained soil that doesn't freeze. Extreme heat can cause the plant to wilt or reduce its growth rate.
Soil Requirements: Artemisia vulgaris L. var. selengensis prefers well-drained soils that are rich in organic matter. It can tolerate a range of soil pH from 5 to 8 but prefers neutral soils (around pH 7). The plant can grow in various soil types such as sand, loam, and clay but prefers well-draining soils. Salty, poorly draining soils can cause the plant to suffer or even die.
The above-described growth conditions, if provided adequately, can help ensure that Artemisia vulgaris L. var. selengensis thrives in its environment and grows into a healthy specimen.
Cultivation of Artemisia vulgaris L. var. selengensis
Artemisia vulgaris L. var. selengensis is a hardy perennial plant that prefers well-drained soil. It can grow in a variety of soils, including sandy and loamy soils. The plant prefers full sun exposure and grows well in areas with a temperate climate. It is recommended to sow the seeds in the spring or early summer months, when the weather is warm. The seeds should be sown at a depth of no more than 1/8 inch, and space them at least 18 inches apart.
Watering Needs
Artemisia vulgaris L. var. selengensis is a drought-tolerant plant and only requires moderate watering. It is recommended to water the plant deeply once a week, rather than giving it frequent, shallow watering. Watering should be done early in the morning or in the evening, to avoid water loss due to evaporation. Overwatering can lead to the plant's death, as it is susceptible to root rot.
Fertilization
The plant doesn't require fertilization, as it can obtain nutrients from the soil alone. However, if the plant is showing signs of stunted growth or is not thriving, a slow-release fertilizer can be applied during the growing season. The fertilizer must be applied according to the package's instructions, as over-fertilization can damage the plant's growth.
Pruning
Artemisia vulgaris L. var. selengensis doesn't require routine pruning, but it must be cut back once a year, in the early spring or winter. Dead or damaged leaves and stems must be removed as soon as they appear. Pruning can be done with pruning shears or scissors, and the cuttings can be used for propagation.
Propagation of Artemisia vulgaris L. var. selengensis
Artemisia vulgaris L. var. selengensis (Turcz. ex Bess.) Maxim., commonly known as mugwort, is a popular medicinal herb native to Asia and Europe. The plant can be propagated through various methods, such as seed propagation, division, and cuttings.
Seed Propagation
The most common method of propagating Artemisia vulgaris L. var. selengensis is through seeds. Seeds can be collected from mature plants and sown directly into the soil in the spring or fall. The seeds should be planted about 1-2 centimeters deep and spaced at least 30 centimeters apart. Germination can take up to three weeks, and the seedlings should be thinned out to avoid overcrowding.
Division
Artemisia vulgaris L. var. selengensis can also be propagated through division. This method is suitable for established plants that have outgrown their containers. The plant can be divided into smaller sections by carefully digging it out of the soil and gently separating the roots and rhizomes. Each section should have some healthy roots and shoots and can be replanted in a new container or directly into the ground. This should be done in the spring or fall when the plant is not actively growing.
Cuttings
Cuttings are another propagation method for Artemisia vulgaris L. var. selengensis. This method involves taking a stem cutting from a mature plant and rooting it in a growing medium. The cutting should be about 10 centimeters long and should be taken in the spring or early fall. Remove the leaves from the lower half of the stem and dip the cut end into a rooting hormone. Plant the cutting in a pot filled with a mixture of perlite and peat moss. Keep the soil moist and warm, and roots should develop in about a month. The rooted cutting can then be transplanted into a larger container or directly into the ground.
Disease Management
Artemisia vulgaris L. var. selengensis (Turcz. ex Bess.) Maxim. can be affected by several diseases, including:
- Fungal Diseases: such as powdery mildew, rust, and gray mold.
- Bacterial Diseases: such as bacterial blight and bacterial wilt.
- Viral Diseases: such as mosaic viruses and yellowing diseases.
To manage fungal diseases, it is recommended to remove and destroy infected plants to prevent the spread of the disease. Proper ventilation and fertile soil can also help prevent fungal diseases. In case of severe infection, use of fungicides may be necessary, and it is best to consult with a professional for proper application.
Bacterial diseases can be managed by pruning infected areas and removing and destroying infected plants. To avoid bacterial diseases, it is important to keep the plants healthy by providing adequate water, light, and nutrients. Planting disease-resistant varieties is also recommended. In case of severe infection, use of antibiotics may be necessary, and it is best to consult with a professional for proper application.
Viral diseases have no cure and can only be managed by removing and destroying infected plants to prevent the spread of the disease. Prevention is key to avoiding viral diseases, which can be accomplished by planting disease-resistant varieties and controlling insect vectors.
Pest Management
Artemisia vulgaris L. var. selengensis (Turcz. ex Bess.) Maxim. can also be affected by several pests, including:
- Aphids: sap-sucking insects that can cause yellowing and curling of leaves. They can be managed by using insecticidal soap or neem oil, or by introducing natural predators such as ladybugs or lacewings.
- Spider Mites: tiny spider-like insects that suck plant sap, causing yellow leaves and webbing. They can be managed by using insecticidal soap or neem oil or by introducing natural predators such as ladybugs or predatory mites.
- Caterpillars: larvae of moths that can eat the leaves and stems of the plant. They can be managed by manually removing them or using Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) insecticide, a natural pesticide that is safe for humans and animals.
- Snails and Slugs: can cause significant damage to the plant by chewing holes in the leaves and stems. They can be managed by using physical barriers such as copper tape or diatomaceous earth, or by using snail and slug bait.
Regular monitoring of the plant and early intervention can help prevent a pest infestation from getting out of control. It is important to use pesticides and insecticides judiciously and in the recommended amounts to avoid harming the plant and the environment. Incorporating companion planting and beneficial insects can also help mitigate pest problems in a natural and sustainable way.
