By Virginia McCollom
September 2005

Botanical Name: Artemisia Ladoviciana

Common Name: White Sage, Western Mugwort

  Artemisia ludoviciana is native to the western United States. It is commonly called white sage because of the appearance of its foliage: lance-shaped leaves (to 4" long) are silver-white, and somewhat sage-like in appearance. "Silver King" is a compact cultivar that features leaves and stems that are somewhat more slender than the species. it is a generally upright perennial that is grown for its attractive foliage that adds texture and contrast to gardens. The tiny, somewhat inconspicuous, yellowish-gray flower heads, which appear at the stem ends in summer, have little ornamental value. "Silver King" typically forms a spreading clump of generally erect, non-woody stems to 36" tall, with the clumps creeping outward by rhizomes to 2-3' wide. Foliage is aromatic when bruised. This species is also commonly called western mugwort.

  "Silver King" is best grown in poor to moderately fertile, dry to medium, well drained soils in full sun. Excellent soil drainage is essential for growing this plant well. It does poorly in moist to wet soils where plants are susceptible to root rot. Plant stems tend to stop growing in the summer, especially if grown in fertile soils and/or part shade. General foliage decline commonly occurs in high humidity summer climates. Consider pinching back stems in late spring to reduce mature plant height. If foliage declines or stems flop in summer, plants my be cut back to revitalize. Also consider prompt removal of flower heads as they appear. "Silver King" does spread somewhat invasively in the garden. Soil barriers may be considered if growing it in borders close to other valuable perennials. A good companion plant is Tansy since they both send out runners underground are harvested the same way and can be cut to the ground after they flower. The silver foliage provides excellent contrast to flowering plants and green foliage in borders and herb gardens and is a staple of the grey garden.

  "Silver King" is an excellent choice for dried arrangements and wreath making. I has also been used in making tussie mussies which in the language of flowers means silver moonlight and unceasing remembrance.

Resources: PlantFinder Kemper Center for Home Gardening
www.mobot.org/gardeninghelp/plantfinder/Plant.asp?code=A405