Guizhou White Dragon Mugwort Artemisia lactiflora Guizhou Group
ABOUT
The plant commonly known as the Guizhou Artemisia is a perennial herb known for its attractive and striking appearance. It features a lush mound of deeply dissected, dark green leaves that provide a fine-textured, almost feathery backdrop for its unique flowers. The foliage tends to have a graceful, arching habit that adds to the overall elegance of the plant. During the blooming period, typically in the late summer to early fall, the plant produces tall, branching stems topped with plumes of tiny, creamy white flowers. These flower spikes have a fluffy appearance, resembling loose sprays or clouds sitting above the foliage. The contrast between the dark leaves and pale flowers generates a visual appeal that can be quite eye-catching in a garden setting. Aside from its visual charm, the Guizhou Artemisia is also appreciated for its aromatic leaves, which, when brushed or crushed, can release a pleasant fragrance. Overall, its appealing aesthetic and scent make it a favorite among gardeners who aim to create engaging sensory landscapes.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Asteraceae
Synonyms
White Mugwort, Guizhou Artemisia, Guizhou Wormwood
Common names
Artemisia lactiflora.
ToxicityTo humans
The plant commonly known as White Mugwort (Artemisia lactiflora) is not widely recognized for its toxicity to humans. There is a lack of substantial evidence or widespread reports to suggest that this particular species of Artemisia is highly toxic when ingested. However, as with many plants, individual reactions can vary, and it's always prudent to be cautious and avoid consuming plant material unless it is known to be safe. If someone does ingest White Mugwort and experiences symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or allergic reactions, they should seek medical attention.
To pets
The plant commonly known as White Mugwort (Artemisia lactiflora) does not have a reputation for being highly toxic to pets. However, the general rule of thumb with pets, as with humans, is to prevent them from consuming plants that are not confirmed to be safe. Some species of Artemisia are known to contain compounds that can be irritating or harmful if ingested in large quantities. If a pet consumes White Mugwort and shows signs of distress, such as gastrointestinal upset, changes in behavior, or allergic reactions, it is important to consult with a veterinarian.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
White
Height
4 feet 1.2 meters
Spread
2 feet 0.6 meters
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
6
Native area
China
Benefits
General Benefits- Ornamental Value: Artemisia lactiflora, commonly known as white mugwort, is prized for its graceful foliage and attractive creamy white flower spikes, enhancing garden aesthetics.
- Wildlife Attraction: The flowers of white mugwort are known to attract beneficial insects to the garden, such as pollinators including bees and butterflies.
- Drought Tolerance: Once established, white mugwort is relatively drought resistant, making it suitable for xeriscaping or gardens with limited water availability.
- Soil Improvement: As a robust plant, white mugwort can help stabilize soil and prevent erosion in certain landscapes.
- Culinary Use: Although you asked to exclude medical properties, the plant’s leaves can be utilized in culinary practices for their unique flavor in various cuisines.
Medical Properties- Antimicrobial: The plant has been utilized for its potential to inhibit the growth of certain bacteria and fungi.
- Anti-inflammatory: Traditionally used in herbal medicine to reduce inflammation in various conditions.
- Hepatoprotective: Some studies suggest that it may have liver-protecting properties.
- Antioxidant: Contains compounds that may help to combat oxidative stress in the body.
- Menstrual cycle regulation: May have been used to regulate menstrual cycles and alleviate related symptoms.
- Gastrointestinal relief: Used in traditional medicine to soothe digestive issues such as abdominal pain and bloating.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- As a natural dye: The leaves and stems of White Mugwort can be used to create a subtle greenish dye for textiles and crafts.
- In garden design: Owing to its attractive foliage, White Mugwort can be used as a foliage plant in ornamental garden beds or borders.
- As a pest repellent: The aromatic properties of White Mugwort may help repel certain insects when planted in a garden.
- In floral arrangements: The tall stems and interesting foliage of White Mugwort make it a unique addition to cut-flower arrangements.
- As crafting material: Dried stems and leaves of White Mugwort can be incorporated into wreaths, potpourris, or decorative crafts.
- In culinary arts: Although not widely recognized, the leaves can occasionally be used as a bitter culinary herb in some traditional recipes.
- In companion planting: White Mugwort can be used in gardens to potentially benefit nearby plants by attracting beneficial insects.
- As a wildlife attractant: The flowers of White Mugwort may attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies to a garden.
- In landscape restoration: White Mugwort can be included in projects aiming to restore native plantings or create low-maintenance landscapes.
- As an educational tool: White Mugwort can be used in schools or educational programs to teach about plant identification and horticulture.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe plant Artemisia lactiflora is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe plant Artemisia lactiflora is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Protection: Artemisia plants, also known as Mugworts, are traditionally associated with protective qualities. They have been used in different cultures to ward off evil spirits and negative energies.
- Healing: The Mugwort has medicinal properties and has been used historically to alleviate various health issues, symbolizing healing and physical well-being.
- Dreams: Mugwort is also known to be connected with dreams and the subconscious, often used to promote vivid dreams and even as an aid for lucid dreaming, symbolizing introspection and self-awareness.
- Feminine Empowerment: With its association to the lunar cycle and its historical use in women's herbal remedies, Mugwort can symbolize feminine empowerment and the divine feminine.
WaterThe White Mugwort should be watered thoroughly once the top inch of the soil feels dry to the touch, typically once a week. Use lukewarm water and pour it evenly around the base of the plant until water starts to drain from the bottom of the pot. During the growing season in spring and summer, it may require more frequent watering, possibly every 3 to 5 days, depending on the weather conditions and the plant's environment. Adjust watering in the cooler months when growth slows down, reducing to every 10 to 14 days. Always check the soil moisture level before watering to ensure you're not overwatering, as this can lead to root rot. Depending on the size of the pot, you might use half a gallon to 2 gallons of water at each watering, ensuring even soil moisture.
LightWhite Mugwort thrives in full sun to partial shade conditions. The best spot for the plant is an area that receives at least 6 hours of sunlight per day, with some dappled afternoon shade in extremely hot climates. Avoid deep shade, as it can lead to leggy growth and poor flowering.
TemperatureWhite Mugwort is hardy and can tolerate a temperature range from around 50°F to 75°F. It can withstand temperatures down to 40°F and up to 90°F for short periods, but the ideal growing temperature is within that 50°F to 75°F range. Avoid exposing the plant to temperatures below 40°F to prevent cold damage.
PruningWhite Mugwort benefits from pruning to maintain a bushy growth habit and promote more vigorous flowering. Prune in late winter or early spring before new growth begins, cutting back the previous year's growth by about a third to a half. Deadheading the spent flowers during the blooming season can also encourage additional blooms.
CleaningAs needed
SoilWhite Mugwort prefers well-draining soil with a mix of garden soil, peat, and perlite; optimal pH is neutral to slightly acidic, around 6.0 to 7.0.
RepottingWhite Mugwort should be repotted every 2 to 3 years to refresh the soil and accommodate root growth.
Humidity & MistingWhite Mugwort thrives in moderate humidity levels but is quite adaptable and can tolerate both low and high humidity conditions.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in a bright spot; water when top soil feels dry.
Outdoor
Full sun to part shade, protect from extreme cold.
Hardiness zone
5-9 USDA
Life cycleArtemisia lactiflora Guizhou Group, commonly known as White Mugwort, starts its life as a seed that germinates in early to mid-spring when soil temperatures warm up. Upon germination, it develops a basal rosette of deeply cut, dark green leaves. As the plant matures, it sends up tall flowering stems in late summer to early fall, which bear clusters of small, creamy-white flowers. After flowering, seeds are produced and dispersed, completing the reproductive cycle. Throughout the growing season, Artemisia lactiflora undergoes vegetative growth, expanding both in foliage and root system. Once the growing season ends and winter sets in, the plant may die back to the ground in colder climates, entering a period of dormancy before resuming growth again in the spring.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring to Summer
Propogation: Artemisia lactiflora, commonly known as White Mugwort, is primarily propagated through division, a process best performed in the spring. To propagate by division, carefully lift the plant from the soil and use a sharp spade or knife to divide the root ball into several sections, each with an adequate amount of roots and shoots. These divisions should then be replanted immediately at the same depth they were originally growing, spaced approximately 18 inches (45.72 centimeters) apart to allow for ample growth. Proper watering after replanting is crucial to help the new divisions establish. This method is favored for its simplicity and effectiveness in producing true-to-type plants quickly.
