Artemisia tilesii has a bewildering array of variation in leaf and inflorescence morphology that has been separated into four infraspecific taxa recognized in some floras. It is very difficult to separate these taxa consistently and so they are included within a broad circumscription of the species[].

Common Name: Wormwood

General Information

Artemisia tilesii is a herbaceous, perennial plant with a rhizomatous rootstock. It produces 1 - 3 erect stems 20 - 60cm tall, occasionally to 80cm[].

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

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Range

Eurasia - European Russia to Russian Far East, Japan; North and western N. America - Alaska to Quebec, south to Oregon and Montana.

Habitat

Open rocky or gravelly wet or dry sites, mostly at rather high elevations in the mountains, but descending at time to sea level[]. Arctic and alpine tundra, sandy, rocky slopes near shorelines; at elevations to 2,000 metres[].

Properties

Edibility Rating
Medicinal Rating
Habit	Perennial
Height	1.50 m
Pollinators	Insects
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

The leaves are used for flavouring rice dumplings[]. The raw shoots are peeled and eaten, usually with oil[].

Medicinal

The plant is antirheumatic, antitumor, disinfectant, febrifuge, haemostatic, laxative and tonic[]. It is used in the treatment of cancer and to prevent infections in wounds etc[]. An infusion of the leaves and flowering tops is used as a laxative and to treat stomach aches[]. An infusion is used internally to treat rheumatism and is also applied externally to swollen joints[]. A poultice of the leaves is applied to skin infections and to cuts to stop the bleeding[]. A decoction is used as an eyewash[].
The plant has properties similar to codeine[]. The report does not specify which part of the plant is used[]. Codeine is used as a painkiller.

Other Uses

The freshly crushed leaves can be rubbed on the hands to remove odours[].
The plant is used as an incense and deodorant in the home[].

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 about10 - 15cm long, pot up in a lightly shaded position in a greenhouse or cold frame and plant them out when well rooted. Very easy.