Artemisia ludoviciana
Artemisia ludoviciana is most commonly known as white sagebrush. This tough silver or gray colored sage like plant is a perennial herb growing 1-2 feet tall. The plant is very aromatic, emitting a strong sagebrush odor. Many people are allergic to the plant and blame the aroma; however most allergies are probably due to its wind-pollinating habit. Its leaves are fuzzy with small hairs, and the flower heads are arranged in small greenish clusters among these leaves near the end of the stems. The flowers can only be seen August to September. Other common names are silver wormwood, wild sage, western mugwort, and prairie sage.
Artemisia ludoviciana is native to the United States and is found growing throughout the Midwestern portion of the country, from Canada south to Mexico. It is found throughout Utah in the upland and mountain zones, growing mostly in sunny, open areas. White sagebrush grows on dry, sandy to rocky areas below 3500 meters, and tolerates acidic to basic soils and erosion.
Native Americans called this plant "man sage", and used it for ceremonial and medicinal purposes. Some of these uses include; deodorizing feet; curing headaches; treating coughs, stomach troubles; and healing wounds on horses. The plant is also used to expel or inhibit roundworm and pinworm infections. Native Americans also made it into pillows and saddle pads and burned it to drive away mosquitoes.
