Artemisia sieversiana

Physical Characteristics

Artemisia sieversiana is a ANNUAL/PERENNIAL growing to 0.8 m (2ft 6in). It is in flower from August to October, and the seeds ripen from September to October. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers dry or moist soil and can tolerate drought.

Distribution

E. Asia - Himalayas from Pakistan to C. Nepal.

Habitats

Cultivated Beds;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Leaves Edible Uses: One report says that the plant is edible but does not say what part of the plant[177].

Medicinal Uses

Anthelmintic Antirheumatic Antiseptic Deobstruent Emmenagogue Febrifuge Skin Tonic The leaves and flowering stems are anthelmintic, deobstruent, emmenagogue, febrifuge and tonic[240]. Externally, they are used as an antiseptic and discutient[240]. A decoction of the plant, combined with Ajuga lupulina and Ephedra gerardiana, is used as a wash to relieve painful joints[272]. A paste of the roots is applied to boils[272].

Known Hazards

Although no reports of toxicity have been seen for this species, skin contact with some members of this genus can cause dermatitis or other allergic reactions in some people[222].