Artemisia ludoviciana
A North American plant used medicinally and ceremonially by many tribes.
Artemisia ludoviciana is a North American flowering plant in the daisy family Asteraceae, known by common names such as silver wormwood, western mugwort, and white sagebrush. Its species name ludoviciana is the Latinized form of Louisiana.
Quick Facts
- Species
- ludoviciana
Facts from the source article.
Did You Know?
- It is rhizomatous and can spread aggressively in some climates and gardens.
- It grows in dry to medium moisture, well-drained soil and requires full sun.
- Its habitats include dry slopes, canyons, open pine woods, and dry prairies.
Uses
This plant has a long history of use among Indigenous tribes across the continent, serving as medicine, a fiber for crafting, and in ceremonies. The Dakota people burn it in smudging rituals to protect against harmful spirits. The Apache, Chiricahua, and Mescalero use it as a spice, while the Blackfoot apply it for skin issues. Both the Cree and Blackfoot use it in sweat lodges and the sun dance, and the Gros Ventre also use it for skin treatment and as a cold remedy due to its fever-reducing properties. A tea from the plant is used by the Meskwaki and Potawatomi for sore throats and tonsillitis. As an ornamental, it spreads aggressively via rhizomes in full sun and well-drained soil. Popular cultivars include 'Valerie Finnis' and 'Silver Queen', both hardy to USDA zone 4.
More in Plants Used in Traditional Native American Medicine
Spotted an error? Know more?
Reader corrections go straight into our review queue. Suggest an edit · How this site is sourced