White Sagebrush Artemisia ludoviciana 'Valerie Finnis'

👤 Non-toxic to humans

🐾 Non-toxic to pets

🌸 Not blooming

🍪 Not edible

‍🌱 Easy-care

ABOUT

Artemisia ludoviciana 'Valerie Finnis', commonly known as white sagebrush or western mugwort, is a perennial herb with distinctive silvery-grey foliage that provides a soft, almost velvet-like texture. The leaves are long and narrow, with a lush appearance that stands out in the garden. The leaf edges are slightly serrated or toothed, giving them a delicate and somewhat feathery look. This plant often forms a dense mat of these elegant leaves. The plant is known for producing stems that are straight and robust, often clothed in the same silvery leaves, creating a striking harmony of form and color. During its blooming period, 'Valerie Finnis' dons clusters of tiny, inconspicuous flowers. They are creamy or yellowish and small enough that they do not detract from the visual appeal of the foliage. The overall impression of Artemisia ludoviciana 'Valerie Finnis' is one of a serene and tactile plant, with a color palette that creates a cooling effect in the landscape. This white sagebrush is favored for its ease of care and ability to blend with other plants in borders, rock gardens, and wildflower meadows.

Plant Info

Care

Common Problems

About this plant

Names
- Family
  Asteraceae.
- Synonyms
  Western Mugwort, White Sage, Louisiana Sage, Grey Sagewort, Silver Wormwood, Western Wormwood, White Sagebrush, Prairie Sage.
- Common names
  Artemisia gnaphalodes, Artemisia ludoviciana subsp. albula, Artemisia ludoviciana var. albula, Artemisia albula, Oligosporus ludovicianus.
Toxicity
- To humans
  Silver wormwood is generally not considered highly toxic to humans. However, like many plants, it can cause mild reactions in some people. If ingested in large quantities, it might cause stomach upset or gastrointestinal discomfort, though symptomatic poisoning from this plant is relatively rare. It is not typically associated with serious poisoning or severe consequences in humans.
- To pets
  Silver wormwood is not commonly listed as a toxic plant to pets such as dogs or cats. Nonetheless, animals can sometimes have sensitivity or allergic reactions to plants not typically considered toxic. If a pet ingests a large amount of silver wormwood, they might experience mild gastrointestinal upset, such as vomiting or diarrhea. It is always prudent to monitor pets and prevent them from consuming plant material, especially in large quantities. If you suspect your pet has ingested a harmful substance, contact a veterinarian promptly.
Characteristics
- Life cycle
  Perennials
- Foliage type
  Deciduous
- Color of leaves
  Silver
- Height
  2-3 feet (0.6-0.9 meters)
- Spread
  2-3 feet (0.6-0.9 meters)
- Plant type
  Herb
- Hardiness zones
  4-9
- Native area
  North America

Benefits

General Benefits
- Attracts Pollinators: Valerie Finnis sagebrush provides nectar and pollen for a variety of pollinators including bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects.
- Drought Tolerance: Well-suited to xeriscaping as it thrives in dry, low-water conditions, reducing the need for irrigation.
- Soil Stabilization: The root system can help prevent soil erosion, making it a good choice for sloped areas and garden edges.
- Low Maintenance: Requires minimal care once established, making it ideal for gardeners who prefer low-maintenance landscapes.
- Aesthetic Appeal: Offers a unique silver-grey foliage and an upright growth habit that can add texture and contrast to garden designs.
- Deer Resistance: Less palatable to deer, reducing the likelihood of damage in areas where deer browsing is a common issue.
- Adaptability: Can grow in a wide range of soil types, from sandy to loamy, as long as the soil is well-draining.
- Culinary Uses: Though focusing on non-medical benefits, the leaves can be used in small amounts to flavor certain dishes.
Medical Properties
- Antibacterial: Artemisia ludoviciana can have antibacterial effects against certain bacteria strains.
- Antifungal: This plant may also possess antifungal properties for some types of fungal infections.
- Anti-inflammatory: There is potential for this species to help reduce inflammation, aiding in conditions like arthritis or other inflammatory diseases.
- Antispasmodic: Traditionally, it has been used to relieve spasms, especially in the digestive system.
- Carminative: It can help in the expulsion of gas from the intestines, potentially easing discomfort related to bloating and gas.
- Cold remedy: Some constituents of the plant are considered beneficial in alleviating symptoms of the common cold.
- Digestive aid: There is historical use for stimulating digestion and treating various gastrointestinal issues.
Please note that while traditional uses are acknowledged, the efficacy and safety of these uses may not be well-established by scientific research. Always consult with a healthcare provider before using any herb for medicinal purposes.
Air-purifying Qualities
This plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses
- Dye Production: The foliage of White Sage can be used to create natural dyes for coloring fabrics and materials.
- Eco-Friendly Insect Repellent: White Sage can be used to naturally repel insects in the garden, ensuring a more eco-friendly approach to pest control.
- Floral Arrangements: White Sage's silvery foliage and enduring structural form make it a popular choice for inclusion in fresh or dried floral bouquets.
- Ground Cover: Its dense growth habit and tolerance for different soil types make White Sage useful as a ground cover in landscaping to minimize soil erosion.
- Crafting Material: The sturdy stems and leaves of White Sage can be incorporated into crafts such as wreaths, basketry, and other decorative items.
- Smudging: Commonly used by indigenous peoples, the dried leaves of White Sage can be burned in a practice known as smudging, which is thought to cleanse spaces of negative energies.
- Aromatherapy: White Sage can be used in aromatherapy for its strong, distinct fragrance which some find to be calming and grounding.
- Culinary Garnish: Although not a traditional food source, White Sage leaves can be used as a garnish for culinary dishes due to their visually appealing texture and color.
- Wildlife Habitat: White Sage provides a natural habitat for beneficial insects and other wildlife within a garden ecosystem.
- Soil Improvement: When used as green manure or as part of compost, White Sage can contribute to improved soil health and structure.

Interesting Facts

Feng Shui
The plant Artemisia is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign Compitability
The plant Artemisia is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism
- Protection: Artemisia plants, also known as Wormwood or Mugwort, have a long history of being used for protection against spirits and negative energies, thus symbolizing a shield against harm.
- Healing: This genus has historical ties to medicinal use, often related to digestive issues, and by extension it represents healing and health.
- Mysticism: Given its use in spiritual and ritualistic contexts, it often represents the mysterious and the psychic realms.
- Purification: Certain cultures burn Artemisia to purify the space, symbolizing cleanliness, clarity, and the removal of negative energy.
- Fertility: In some traditions, Artemisia is associated with fertility and reproductive health for its supposed beneficial effects.
- Dreams: With a reputation for inducing vivid dreams or helping with dream recall when placed under a pillow, it represents the world of dreams and the subconscious.
- Transition: Artemisia may also symbolize change or the passage through different phases of life, reflecting its life cycle and perennial nature.
- Empowerment: Sometimes associated with the goddess Artemis, it represents empowerment, particularly female strength and independence.

💧

Every 2-3 weeks

Water

☀️

2500 - 10000 Lux

Light

💦️

Humidity

🪴

Every 2-3 years

Repotting

🌱️

Late Summer

Propogation

✂️️

As needed

Pruning

Water
White sagebrush should be watered deeply once a week during the growing season, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings. In cooler climates or during the fall and winter, reduce watering to every two to three weeks, depending on the weather and soil moisture levels. Water with approximately 1 gallon per plant for established plants, ensuring the water penetrates the root zone.
Light
White sagebrush prefers full sun conditions and will thrive when it receives at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight each day. It's best planted in a location where it can enjoy uninterrupted sunlight, away from the shade of larger plants or structures, to promote healthy growth and foliage.
Temperature
White sagebrush is hardy and can withstand a wide range of temperatures, surviving in USDA zones 3 through 10. It can tolerate minimum winter temperatures down to -30 degrees Fahrenheit and enjoys warm summer weather. However, it thrives best in temperatures ranging from 60 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit.
Pruning
Pruning white sagebrush is important to maintain shape and promote bushy growth. It should be pruned in the early spring, just before new growth begins. Periodic trimming throughout the growing season can also help keep the plant tidy. Remove any dead or damaged stems to encourage healthy new foliage.
Cleaning
As needed
Soil
White sagebrush thrives in well-draining soil with a pH ranging from 6.0 to 8.0. A mix of loamy-sandy soil amended with organic material like compost is suitable, as long as the soil does not retain excess water. Avoid heavy, wet soils to prevent root rot.
Repotting
White sagebrush typically does not require frequent repotting. Consider repotting every 2-3 years or when the plant has outgrown its current container. Spring is the best time for repotting to allow the plant to establish in its new pot before the growing season.
Humidity & Misting
White sagebrush prefers a dry environment with low to moderate humidity. It is well-adapted to arid conditions and does not thrive in areas with high humidity, making it suitable for xeriscaping and drought-tolerant gardens.
Suitable locations
- Indoor
  Use well-draining soil, place in full light, and water sparingly.
- Outdoor
  Plant in full sun, well-drained soil, and water moderately.
- Hardiness zone
  4-9 USDA
Life cycle
White Sage 'Valerie Finnis' begins its life as a seed that germinates in late winter to early spring, given appropriate conditions of moisture and temperature. The seedling stage follows, characterized by the emergence of the plant's first true leaves and the development of a root system. As the plant matures into its vegetative stage, it develops a rosette of silvery-white leaves that are aromatic when crushed. During the flowering stage in late summer, White Sage 'Valerie Finnis' produces tall stems topped with clusters of small, yellowish or grayish flowers that attract pollinators. After pollination, the plant sets seeds, which are then dispersed in late fall or by the end of the growing season. The plant may die back in winter, especially in colder climates, but being a perennial, it will typically resprout from its rootstock in the next season, continuing its life cycle.
Propogation
- Propogation time
  Late Summer
- Artemisia ludoviciana 'Valerie Finnis', commonly known as White Sagebrush or Western Mugwort, is often propagated by division, which is a popular and effective method for this perennial plant. The best time to propagate by division is in the spring or early fall. To do so, carefully dig up an established clump and use a sharp shovel or knife to divide the root mass into several sections, ensuring that each new piece has a portion of the root system and several shoots or buds. These divisions can then be replanted in well-drained soil, spacing them about 12 to 18 inches (30 to 45 centimeters) apart. Water the new transplants regularly until they become established. Division helps rejuvenate older plants and provides an easy way to increase the number of plants in your garden.