Asteraceae
Field Wormwood (Artemisia campestris)
Artemisia campestris
Give field wormwood full sun and sandy, well-draining soil, then largely leave it alone. It tolerates drought, poor soil, and neglect far better than overwatering or heavy, wet ground.
Every 12 days
Direct sun
-5° - 35°C
30% - 50%
Categories
What is Field Wormwood?
Field Wormwood (Artemisia campestris) is a easy-care plant from the Asteraceae family. Artemisia campestris, commonly known as field wormwood or field sagewort, is a hardy perennial herb in the daisy family (Asteraceae). Native to Europe, Asia, and North America, it forms low mounds of finely divided, silvery-green aromatic foliage topped by tiny yellowish-green flower heads in late s...
Field Wormwood grows up to 1.5m, spread of 60cm, watering every 12 days, -5°C – 35°C, 30–50% humidity. It is not suitable for indoor environments and not safe for pets.
Unlike many tropical plants, Field Wormwood tolerates watering mistakes. Best for beginners. Without precautions, ingestion can cause irritation in pets. Keep out of reach of cats and dogs.
How to Care for Field Wormwood?
TLDR: Field Wormwood needs Direct sun, watering every 12 days, and temperatures between -5-35°C with 30-50% humidity.
How Often Should You Water Field Wormwood?
Water sparingly and let the soil dry out completely between waterings; established plants are drought-tolerant and prone to root rot if kept too moist.
How Much Light Does Field Wormwood Need?
Provide at least 6 hours of direct sun daily; flowering and foliage color are best in full sun.
What Is the Best Soil for Field Wormwood?
Plant in sandy or loamy, well-draining soil with a neutral to mildly alkaline pH; avoid heavy clay or waterlogged sites.
What Pot Should You Use for Field Wormwood?
Terracotta or unglazed clay pots with generous drainage holes suit this plant best, since porous walls help excess moisture evaporate.
What Is Field Wormwood and Where Does It Come From?
Artemisia campestris, commonly known as field wormwood or field sagewort, is a hardy perennial herb in the daisy family (Asteraceae). Native to Europe, Asia, and North America, it forms low mounds of finely divided, silvery-green aromatic foliage topped by tiny yellowish-green flower heads in late summer. Valued for its drought tolerance and resilience in poor, sandy soils, it thrives in open meadows, dunes, and rocky ground.
How to Propagate Field Wormwood?
Seed sowing
Seeds germinate best with fluctuating temperatures and full sun exposure; avoid overwatering seedlings.
- 1 Sow seeds directly on the soil surface in early spring, as they need light to germinate
- 2 Press seeds gently into well-draining sandy soil without covering them
- 3 Keep the soil lightly moist until seedlings emerge
- 4 Thin seedlings once they have 2-3 true leaves
Materials needed:
Clump division
Divide every 3-4 years to keep clumps vigorous and prevent overcrowding.
- 1 Dig up an established clump in early spring before new growth accelerates
- 2 Separate the root mass into sections, each with healthy roots and shoots
- 3 Replant divisions immediately in well-draining soil
- 4 Water well until new growth appears
Materials needed:
How Big Does Field Wormwood Grow?
TLDR: Field Wormwood can reach up to 1.5m tall with Medium growth rate.
Max height
1.5m
Spread
60cm
Growth rate
Medium
Foliage
Semi-evergreen
Warning: Toxic Plant
This plant can be toxic if ingested. Keep out of reach of:
Plant Uses
Medicinal
Medicinal properties
Aromatic
Pleasant fragrance
Ornamental
Great for decoration
Medicinal Uses
- Traditionally used in folk medicine as a digestive bitter and to reduce fever
- Used topically in some traditions for minor wounds and insect bites
Culinary Uses
- Young leaves used sparingly as a bitter flavoring herb in some regional cuisines
- Related species are used to flavor spirits such as vermouth and absinthe
Is your plant showing symptoms?
Click on the symptom to discover possible causes:
What Diseases Commonly Affect Field Wormwood?
TLDR: Field Wormwood is susceptible to 5 known diseases. Monitor regularly for early detection.
Powdery Mildew
Powdery mildew is a common fungal disease caused by various fungi species including Erysiphe, Podosphaera, Oïdium, and Leveillula. It affects over 10,000 plant species worldwide. The disease thrives in warm, dry climates with high humidity and appears as a distinctive white powdery coating on plant surfaces.
Rust
Rust is a common fungal disease caused by fungi in the order Pucciniales that affects a wide variety of plants. The disease gets its name from the characteristic orange, yellow, or reddish-brown pustules that appear on leaves, resembling metal rust. This obligate fungal parasite requires living plants to survive and can cause significant economic losses in agricultural crops.
Root Rot
Root rot is a serious fungal disease that affects the root system of plants, causing them to decay and die. It is primarily caused by overwatering, poor drainage, or soil-borne fungi such as Pythium, Phytophthora, Rhizoctonia, and Fusarium. The disease thrives in waterlogged conditions where roots are deprived of oxygen, making them susceptible to fungal infection.
Aphids
Aphids are small, soft-bodied, pear-shaped insects (1/16 to 1/8 inch long) that feed by sucking nutrient-rich sap from plants. They reproduce rapidly and can quickly weaken plants, causing distorted growth and transmitting plant viruses. Aphids come in various colors including green, black, red, yellow, brown, and gray. They secrete honeydew, a sticky substance that attracts ants and encourages sooty mold growth.
Meaning & Symbolism
Long associated with protection and travel in European folk tradition, artemisias were carried by travelers and hung in homes to ward off harm.
Fun Facts
The genus name Artemisia honors the Greek goddess Artemis, protector of wild places.
Field wormwood can grow in pure sand dunes where few other plants survive.
Its finely dissected silvery leaves help reflect sunlight and reduce water loss in hot, dry habitats.
Frequently asked questions
How often should I water field wormwood?
Is Artemisia campestris toxic to pets?
Does field wormwood need fertilizer?
How do I propagate field wormwood?
Compare with similar plants
| Attribute | Difficulty | Light | Watering | Pet Safe |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Field Maple | Easy | Bright indirect | 14d | ✓ |
| Silver Birch | Easy | Direct sun | 14d | ✓ |
| Common Blanketflower | Easy | Direct sun | 10d | ✓ |
| Cushion Bush | Easy | Direct sun | 14d | ✓ |
