Artemisia tilesii
Ledeb.
Wormwood, Tilesius' wormwood
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(c) Nadezhda Liksakova, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC), uploaded by Nadezhda Liksakova
iNaturalist· cc-by-nc
(c) Masumi Palhof, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC), uploaded by Masumi Palhof
iNaturalist· cc-by-nc
(c) Masumi Palhof, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC), uploaded by Masumi Palhof
Description
Artemisia tilesii is a PERENNIAL growing to 1.5 m (5ft). The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects. Suitable for: light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers dry or moist soil and can tolerate drought.
Edible Uses
Condiment. The leaves are used for flavouring rice dumplings. The raw shoots are peeled and eaten, usually with oil.
Medicinal Uses
Analgesic Antirheumatic Antitumor Disinfectant Haemostatic Laxative Poultice Skin Stomachic Tonic. 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.
Known Hazards
Although no reports of toxicity have been seen for this species, skin contact with some members of this genus can cause dermatitis or other allergic reactions in some people.
Distribution
E. Asia to North-western N. America.
Where It Grows
TEMPERATE ASIA: Russian Federation (Yakutia-Sakha, Taymyr, Jamalo-Neneckij avtonomnyj okrug), Russian Federation (Kurile Islands, Kamcatskij kraj, Magadanskaja oblast, Cukotskij avtonomnyj okrug, Sakhalin), Japan (Hokkaidô, Honshu (c.)) NORTHERN AMERICA: Canada (Northwest Territories, Yukon, Ontario (north), Alberta (north & central), Manitoba (northeast), British Columbia), United States (Alaska, Idaho, Montana (west), Oregon, Washington) EUROPE: Russian Federation (Arkhangelsk, Neneckij avtonomnyj okrug)
Cultivation
We have very little information on this species and do not know if it will be hardy in Britain, though judging by its native range it should succeed outdoors in many parts of this country. The following notes are based on the general needs of the genus. Easily grown in a well-drained circumneutral or slightly alkaline loamy soil, preferring a warm sunny dry position. Established plants are drought tolerant. Plants are longer lived, more hardy and more aromatic when they are grown in a poor dry soil. Members of this genus are rarely if ever troubled by browsing deer.
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.
Other Uses
Disinfectant Incense. 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.
