Species Douglas' Wormwood
green leaves on brown stems

Douglas' Wormwood

Artemisia douglasiana

Douglas' Wormwood, or Artemisia douglasiana, is an evergreen shrub native to western North America, growing 1-3 feet (30-92 cm) tall. The long, upright stems are lined with gray-green, narrow leaves that are slightly fuzzy. On some species, the leaves may turn purplish-red in the winter. Its small yellow daisy-like flowers appear in summer and have a pleasant herbal scent. In the wild, Douglas' Wormwood is a common sight on dry hillsides or in fields. It is also at home in gardens, with its drought tolerance and low-maintenance nature. When cut for decoration, the plant may release a strong, bitter scent, similar to a camphor.

Watering:

Minimal

Propagation:

Seed Propagation,Cutting,Division,Layering Propagation

Hardiness Zone:

Sun:

full sun,part shade

Leaf:

Yes

Leaf Color:

silver,green

Growth Rate:

Low

Poisonous To Humans:

Yes

Poisonous To Pets:

Yes

Salt Tolerant:

Yes

Invasive:

Yes

Care Level:

Medium

watering

Water Douglas’ Wormwood whenever the top inch of soil in the pot is dry. When watering, use enough water to saturate the soil and allow the excess water to drain from the bottom of the pot. This plant species does not like to be kept too wet or dry. If you underwater, the plant will start to yellow and wilt. If overwatering occurs, the plant will start producing brown/black leaves and root rot may occur. Ideally, water every 1-2 weeks, ensuring to monitor the soil to ensure the soil is kept damp but not soggy.

sunlight

Douglas' Wormwood requires full sun, at least 6 hours of direct sunlight each day, to grow best. It is tolerant of some partial shade, but will struggle to thrive in full shade. In particularly hot climates, consider providing some afternoon shade to give the plant some relief. Water needs for this perennial vary depending on soil and humidity conditions. If the soil is sandy or well-drained, more frequent waterings will be needed; if the soil is clay-based or otherwise slow-draining, less frequent waterings should be used. During hot spells, water more frequently to keep the soil from drying out completely.

pruning

Douglas' Wormwood is a species of woody shrub native to western North America. Pruning this plant should be done in the late winter or early spring just before new growth appears. Prune lightly, removing any damaged or dead growth, as well as any stalks that are weak or overcrowded. To preserve the natural shape of the plant, limit pruning to no more than 1-third of the total plant material. Deadheading may also be done at any time throughout the growing season to encourage the growth of new flowers.