The Tales & The Botany: Artemisia

The genus was named in honor of Artemisia II of Caria, a powerful queen and botanist of antiquity, though the name also recalls Artemis, the Greek goddess of the wilderness and protector of herbal medicine.

We won’t forget Artemisia’s legendary reputation in folklore for warding off evil spirits.

Species of Artemisia are native to Europe, Asia, and North America, with habitats ranging from steppes and deserts to alpine meadows.

Many, like Artemisia absinthium, have been used in traditional medicine and famously in the making of absinthe, the legendary green spirit of 19th-century Europe.

She was renowned for her expertise in alpine plants (propagating around 50,000/year at the Waterperry Horticultural Institute for Women – now Waterperry Gardens – when she was a teacher there… we can but dare to dream of attaining those numbers!)

She was awarded the Victoria Medal of Honor in 1975 by the RHS – which is a big deal.

 🌸 Floral Morphology

Flowers in Artemisia are generally small, inconspicuous, and arranged in dense capitula.

Unlike many other Asteraceae, their heads are not showy, with tiny yellowish to green florets often hidden among the foliage.

Most species are wind-pollinated rather than insect-pollinated, so their floral displays are subtle.

Leaves are alternate, finely dissected, and often silvery-grey or greenish-white, covered in fine hairs and aromatic glands that release a pungent, herbal scent when crushed.

This foliage is the true ornamental and ecological star, providing striking contrast in borders, rockeries, and dry gardens.

🌱 Reproductive Biology

Artemisia species are hermaphroditic or dioecious, depending on the species. Many rely on anemophily (wind pollination), with pollen dispersed through open air rather than relying on insects. Seeds are small, dry achenes, often produced in abundance, allowing species to colonize open and disturbed habitats. Some species also spread by rhizomes, forming colonies that stabilize soils in dry, sandy landscapes.

Beyond their reproductive biology, Artemisia species have long been entwined with human culture:

• • Artemisia absinthium (wormwood) was key in making absinthe.

  • Artemisia annua is the source of artemisinin, a crucial anti-malarial compound.

  • Many species are used in rituals, perfumes, and herbal medicine.

🌍 Ecology & Adaptations

Artemisia thrives in temperate, Mediterranean, and arid environments, particularly in:

• • Borders and rockeries
  • Dry, sunny sites
  • Wildlife-friendly gardens

Key adaptations include:

• • Exceptional drought tolerance

  • Sun-loving

  • Low-maintenance

  • Erosion control

  • Aromatic chemistry

Origin:

Europe, Asia, and North America