Common Name: White Mugwort

General Information

Artemisia lactiflora is a herbaceous, perennial plant producing a cluster of erect, branched stems; it usually grows 50 - 150cm tall, exceptionally to 200cm[, ].
The plant is harvested from the wild for local use as a medicine. It is cultivated as a culinary herb[], and is often grown as an ornamental in gardens, where it is valued particularly for its white flowers.

Known Hazards

The plant might be poisonous in large doses[].
The plant contains potentially allergenic sesquiterpene lactones. Skin contact with the plant can cause dermatitis or other allergic reactions in some people[, ].

Botanical References

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Range

E. Asia - central and southern China, northern India, Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, Singapore, Indonesia.

Habitat

Forest margins, shrublands, canyons, slopes, roadsides, river banks and thickets; at elevations up to 3,000 metres[].

Properties

Edibility Rating
Medicinal Rating
Habit	Perennial
Height	1.00 m
Pollinators	Wind
Cultivation Status	Ornamental, Wild

Cultivation Details

Artemisia lactiflora has a wide natural range from the temperate regions of China (where it can experience harsh frosts) to the tropical regions of Indo-China and Malesia.
Easily grown in a well-drained circumneutral or slightly acid loamy soil, preferring a sunny position and a moisture-retentive soil[]. Plants are tolerant of light shade[]. Prefers a rich, moist soil with good drainage[], but plants are longer lived, more hardy and more aromatic when they are grown in a poor dry soil[].
There are some named varieties selected for their ornamental value[].
Members of this genus are rarely if ever troubled by browsing deer[].

Edible Uses

The plant is cultivated as a culinary herb[]. We have no further information at the moment[].

Medicinal

White mugwort is a bitter aromatic tonic herb. The leaves and flowering stems are used internally in traditional Chinese medicine to treat menstrual and liver disorders[].

The plant is used in anti-inflammatory medicines[].

Other Uses

None known

Propagation

Seed - surface sow from late winter to early summer in a greenhouse, making sure that the compost does not dry out[]. When large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in the greenhouse for their first winter. Plant out in late spring or early summer.
Division in spring or autumn[].
Basal cuttings in late spring. Harvest the young shoots when about 10 - 15cm long, pot up in a lightly shaded position in a greenhouse or cold frame and plant them out when well rooted. Very easy.