Water Wise Plants

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Douglas' Sagewort

Perennial

4 ft (1.2 m) wide x 8 ft (2.4 m) tall

Moderate: water weekly until the root ball is wet

Half sun to shade

Cream, White, Yellow

Artemisia douglasiana is an aromatic shrub in the Asteraceae (Sunflower) family, although plants in this genus don't look like it. It is commonly called California Mugwort or Douglas' Sagewort. Found in virtually every county of California, this plant has been used as a ceremonial plant in many Native American cultures, for use in treating a minor injury or as a dream potentiator. The plant is native to the western United States and into Baja California where it is often found in moist areas such as drainages. It's often riparian in the drier parts of its range. The flowers are small and inconspicuous, often not producing viable seed. It spreads by rhizomes, especially in damp areas. This plant is not often seen in residential gardens but is sometimes grown for medicinal purposes. It is also useful in restoration projects and for erosion control.