Artemisia carruthii facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Artemisia carruthii |
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Artemisia
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carruthii
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Artemisia carruthii, often called Carruth's sagewort or Carruth wormwood, is a type of small shrub found in North America. It belongs to the daisy family, which is a very large group of flowering plants. This plant is native to many parts of the southwestern and south-central United States.
About Carruth's Sagewort
Carruth's sagewort is a plant that stands upright. It can grow up to about 70 centimeters (or 28 inches) tall. This plant is known as a perennial herb, meaning it lives for more than two years. It has a faint, pleasant smell and is covered with tiny hairs.
Where It Grows
You can find Artemisia carruthii growing naturally in many states across the United States. These include Nevada, Arizona, New Mexico, Utah, Colorado, Kansas, Oklahoma, and parts of Texas. It has also been found growing in new places like Missouri, the Great Lakes Region, and Rhode Island. Beyond the U.S., this plant also grows in northern Mexico, specifically in the states of Chihuahua and Sonora.
How It Looks
The flowers of Carruth's sagewort are yellow. They often appear to be "nodding," which means they hang downwards slightly. This gives the plant a unique and gentle appearance.
Special Uses
Long ago, the Zuni people, a Native American tribe, found special ways to use Carruth's sagewort. They would place the seeds of the plant on hot coals. The steam from this was used in a special bath to help with body aches, especially when someone felt sick with a cold.
The Zuni people also used the seeds as food. They would grind the seeds into a powder and mix it with water. Then, they would shape this mixture into small balls. These balls were steamed and eaten. The Zuni people thought these seeds were one of their most important food sources.
Who Is Carruth?
The plant Artemisia carruthii is named after an American botanist. His name was James Harrison Carruth, and he lived from 1807 to 1896. Botanists are scientists who study plants.
