Common Name:

General Information

Artemisia sphaerocephala is an evergreen, more or less succulent shrub growing 80 - 150cm tall from a strong, woody rootstock[].
The plant is harvested from the wild for local use as a medicine. It is used within its native range to provide shelter and stabilize the soil.

Known Hazards

Although we have seen no specific reports for this species, many members of this genus contain potentially allergenic sesquiterpene lactones that can cause skin reactions[].

Botanical References

Range

E. Asia - southern Mongolia, northern and central China.

Habitat

Dunes of desert areas, desert steppes, dry slopes; at elevations from 1,000 - 2,900 metres[].

Properties

Medicinal Rating
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Evergreen Shrub
Height	1.20 m
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

Species in this genus are generally easily grown, succeeding in a well-drained circumneutral or slightly alkaline loamy soil, preferring a sunny position[, ]. They tend to be longer lived, more hardy and more aromatic when they are grown in a poor dry soil[].
Established plants are drought tolerant.
Members of this genus are rarely if ever troubled by browsing deer[].

Edible Uses

None known

Medicinal

The plant is used medicinally[].

Agroforestry Uses:

The plant is used as a windbreak and to stabilize sandy soils[].

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.
Cuttings of half-ripe wood, mid summer in a frame.