Prairie Sagewort
Artemisia frigida
- Native to:
- Canada, China, Kazakhstan, Russia, Tadzhikistan, United States
Jim Pisarowicz
Taxonomy
- Division:
- Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
- Family:
- Asteraceae
- Genus:
- Artemisia
- Species:
- Artemisia frigida
- USDA Symbol:
- ARFR4
Growth Characteristics
- Life Cycle:
- Perennial
- Growth Habit:
- Subshrub
- Height:
- 40 cm
- Light Requirements:
- Full Sun
- Drought Tolerance:
- High
- Bloom Months:
- jul,aug,sep
- Bloom Colors:
- yellow
- Ground Cover:
- Yes
Wildlife Benefits
- Butterflies & Moths:
- ★☆☆☆☆ Documented Lepidoptera association (GBIF)
- Caterpillars:
- ★☆☆☆☆ Recorded caterpillar host plant (HOSTS Database)
Keystone Species Ranking
- Caterpillar Keystone:
- ★★★★☆ Butterfly & moth species supported by this genus (NWF)
Host Plant for Caterpillars
Schinia cumatilis, Painted Lady (Vanessa cardui)
Garden & Ecology Notes
- Wildlife Value:
- birds, small mammals, butterflies
- Deer Resistant:
- Yes
- Fragrant:
- Yes
- Fire Ecology:
- Fire adapted — tolerates or benefits from fire
- Fire Notes:
- Resprouts vigorously from woody crown and roots after fire. Common component of fire-adapted prairie and steppe ecosystems.
Soil Requirements
- Soil Type:
- dry, sandy, well-drained soil
- pH:
- 6.0 - 8.0 (neutral to slightly alkaline)
- Drainage:
- excellent drainage required
- Moisture:
- dry to moderate
- Notes:
- thrives in poor, rocky soils
Propagation & Germination
- Stratification:
- Cold/moist stratification required — 30–60 days
- Germination Time:
- 14–30 days
- Notes:
- Seeds require light for germination. Surface sow and do not cover. Germination can be erratic.
The above propagation data sourced from Claude AI
Pre-treatment: Fresh seeds should be moist stratified for 10 to 60 days. Dry stored seeds can be sown without treatment. Light exposure can increase germination rate.
Establishment: Fringed sagewort is most commonly found in open dry high plains, prairies and steppe grasslands. It flowers during July and August with wind pollinated, yellowish flowers. Seeds mature during the fall months and are grey to brown at maturity. Good seed crops usually occur every year.
Source: npn.rngr.net
ORGHPS Germination Guide: Sow @ 20C. Germinates within 3 months. Requires light / surface sow (fine seed).