Herb: Beach Wormwood


Latin name: Artemisia stelleriana


Family: Compositae



Edible parts of Beach Wormwood:

The leaves are used for flavouring rice dumplings.

Description of the plant:



Plant:
Evergreen
Perennial

Height:
50 cm
(1 foot)

Flowering:
July to
September

Habitat of the herb:

Sand dunes and coastal cliffs, C. and N. Japan. Naturalized on sand near Marazion in Cornwall.

Other uses of Beach Wormwood:

Plants can be grown as ground cover in a sunny position, they are of sprawling habit.

Propagation of the herb:

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.

Cultivation of Beach Wormwood:

Sand dunes and coastal cliffs, C. and N. Japan. Naturalized on sand near Marazion in Cornwall.

Medicinal use of the herb:

None known

Known hazards of Artemisia stelleriana:

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.

Plant information taken from the Plants For A Future.