Artemisia douglasiana facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Artemisia douglasiana |
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| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Artemisia
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| Species: |
douglasiana
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| Synonyms | |
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Artemisia heterophylla Besser |
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California mugwort (scientific name: Artemisia douglasiana) is a special plant found in western North America. It's also called Douglas's sagewort or the dream plant. This plant is known for its nice smell and belongs to the sunflower family.
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Where California Mugwort Grows
California mugwort is a plant that lives for many years. It grows naturally in the western parts of the United States. You can find it in states like California, Idaho, Nevada, Oregon, and Washington. It also grows in northwestern Baja California, Mexico.
This plant likes sunny spots and wet soil. But it's tough! It can also grow in shady places and dry soil. You often see it near ditches and along riverbanks. It can grow from sea level up to very high mountains (about 3,080 meters).
What California Mugwort Looks Like
California mugwort is a type of plant called a forb, which means it's not a tree or a grass. Its stems grow straight up from a big network of roots underground called rhizomes. These roots need at least 16 centimeters of soil to grow well.
The stems can grow quite tall, from about 0.5 to 2.5 meters (about 1.5 to 8 feet). Its leaves are grey-green and shaped like an oval. They are spaced evenly along the stem and have small lobes, or rounded sections, at their tips.
When it blooms, usually from May to October, the plant has bell-shaped groups of flowers. These flower clusters contain different types of small flowers.
This plant mostly spreads using its underground rhizomes. These roots are very helpful because they hold the soil together. This stops the soil from washing away, especially along riverbanks.
How People Use California Mugwort
Many native birds eat the seeds of California mugwort. Some native bees also use its leaves to build their nests.
Native American tribes used Artemisia douglasiana as a medicinal plant. They used it to help with joint pain and headaches. They also used it to treat skin problems like scrapes and rashes, including those from poison ivy.
This plant was also important for ceremonies and spiritual practices for many tribes. People often carried it to protect themselves.
Today, some herbalists still use this plant for both its healing properties and spiritual purposes.
Growing California Mugwort
People grow California mugwort as an ornamental plant in gardens. Special plant nurseries sell it for different projects. These include planting it in wildlife gardens to help local animals. It's also used in natural landscaping and for projects that restore natural areas. Because its roots help hold soil, it's also used to stop erosion.
See also
In Spanish: Artemisia douglasiana para niños
