Artemisia biennis

Secure  (NatureServe)
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Tracheophytes
Clade: Angiosperms
Clade: Eudicots
Clade: Asterids
Order: Asterales
Family: Asteraceae
Genus: Artemisia
Species:
A. biennis
Binomial name
Artemisia biennis
Willd. 1794
Synonyms
Synonymy
  • Artemisia armeniaca Willd. ex Ledeb.
  • Artemisia australis Ehrh. ex DC.
  • Artemisia canescens Willd.
  • Artemisia cernua Dufour ex Willk. & Lange
  • Artemisia cernuiflora Dufour ex Willk. & Lange
  • Artemisia eschscholtziana Besser
  • Artemisia hispanica Jacq. 1786 not Lam. 1783 nor Weber ex Stechmann 1775 nor Stechm. ex Besser 1836
  • Artemisia inconspicua Spreng.
  • Artemisia jacquinii Raeusch.
  • Artemisia microcephala Hillebr.
  • Artemisia pinnatifida Jacquem. ex DC.
  • Artemisia pyromacha Viv.
  • Artemisia ramosa Lag. ex Willk. & Lange
  • Artemisia seriphium Pourr. ex Willk. & Lange

Artemisia biennis is a species of sagebrush known by the common name biennial wormwood.[1] It is a common and widely distributed weed, so well established in many places that its region of origin is difficult to ascertain. This species is most likely native to northwestern North America (British Columbia, Washington, and Oregon) and naturalized in Western Europe, and eastern and southern North America.[2][3][4][5]

Description

This is an annual or biennial herb producing a single erect green to reddish stem up to 2 metres (6 ft 7 in) in maximum height. It is generally hairless and unscented. The frilly leaves are up to 13 centimetres (5.1 in) long and divided into thin, lance-shaped segments with long teeth. The inflorescence is a dense rod of clusters of flower heads interspersed with leaves. The fruit is a tiny achene less than a millimeter wide.[2] The numerous flowers color ranges from green to yellow, and the flowers are globe shaped. They are in densely packed, small columnar clusters. The alternate leaves are deeply divided into long, narrow lobes with toothed edges. Lower leaves can often be doubled divided. The plants are typically narrow, with spire-like bodies. Unlike other species of this genus, if you crush its leaves or stem, there will be no odor. The bloom period is between August and October.[6] It could be confused with Artemisia annua, however A. annua smells and A. biennis doesn’t.[5]

Uses

The seeds have been eaten, though the seeds are often very small and fiddly to utilize. It has been used internally as treatment for stomach cramps, colic and painful menstruation. Externally, it has been used to treat sores and wounds. The reports don’t go into detail on which parts of the plant is used in the treatments. When the seeds are mixed with molasses, they are used to kill the internal parasite known as worms.[7]

Invasive species

It is an invasive species and noxious weed in many places. It is a weed of several agricultural crops, particularly soybeans, other types of dry edible beans, and sunflowers.[8]

References

  1. ↑ USDA, NRCS (n.d.). "Artemisia biennis". The PLANTS Database (plants.usda.gov). Greensboro, North Carolina: National Plant Data Team. Retrieved 6 July 2016.
  2. 1 2 Flora of North America Vol. 19, 20 and 21 Page 523 Biennial wormwood, armoise bisannuelle Artemisia biennis Willdenow, Phytographia. 11. 1794.
  3. ↑ Biota of North America Program 2014 county distribution map
  4. ↑ "Artemisia biennis Willd". www.gbif.org. Retrieved 2023-08-19.
  5. 1 2 "Artemisia biennis (biennial wormwood): Go Botany". gobotany.nativeplanttrust.org. Retrieved 2023-08-19.
  6. ↑ "Artemisia biennis (Biennial Wormwood): Minnesota Wildflowers". www.minnesotawildflowers.info. Retrieved 2023-08-19.
  7. ↑ "Artemisia biennis Biennial Wormwood PFAF Plant Database". pfaf.org. Retrieved 2023-08-19.
  8. ↑ Kegode, G., et al. (2007). Biology and Management of Biennial Wormwood. The Glyphosate, Weeds, and Crops Series. NDSU Extension Service.
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