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{{Short description|Species of plant}}
{{speciesbox
{{Speciesbox
|image = Artemisia_californica01.jpg
| image = ArtemisiaCalifornica-GaviotaCA.jpg
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|genus = Artemisia
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| image_caption = ''Artemisia californica'' in [[Gaviota State Park]], California
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|species = californica
| status = G4
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|authority = [[Christian Friedrich Lessing|Less.]]
| status_system = TNC
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|synonyms_ref = <ref>[http://www.theplantlist.org/tpl1.1/record/gcc-12194 The Plant List ''Artemisia californica'' Less. ]</ref>
| status_ref = <ref>{{Cite web |title=NatureServe Explorer 2.0 |url=https://explorer.natureserve.org/Taxon/ELEMENT_GLOBAL.2.128351/Artemisia_californica |access-date=2023-10-23 |website=explorer.natureserve.org}}</ref>
|synonyms =
⚫
| genus = Artemisia
⚫
*''Artemisia abrotanoides'' <small>Nutt.</small>
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| species = californica
⚫
| authority = [[Christian Friedrich Lessing|Less.]]
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| synonyms_ref = <ref>[http://www.theplantlist.org/tpl1.1/record/gcc-12194 The Plant List ''Artemisia californica'' Less. ]</ref>
⚫
| synonyms = *''Artemisia abrotanoides'' <small>Nutt.</small>
*''Artemisia fischeriana'' <small>Besser</small>
*''Artemisia fischeriana'' <small>Besser</small>
*''Artemisia foliosa'' <small>Nutt.</small>
*''Artemisia foliosa'' <small>Nutt.</small>
Line 12: Line 16:
}}
}}


'''''Artemisia californica''''', also known as '''California sagebrush''', is a species of western [[North America]]n shrubs in the [[Asteraceae|sunflower family]].
'''''Artemisia californica''''', also known as '''California sagebrush''', is a species of western [[North America]]n shrub in the [[Asteraceae|sunflower family]].


In the western United States, California sagebrush is grown in native plant gardens and as a drought-resistant landscaping choice. In addition to its drought resistance and capacity to draw pollinators like bees and butterflies, its silvery foliage is popular with gardeners and horticulturists.
⚫
==Distribution==
The [[herbaceous]] plant is native to western [[California]] and northwestern [[Baja California]]. It is [[endemic]] to the [[California chaparral and woodlands]] ecoregion, in [[coastal sage scrub]], [[Coastal Strand|coastal strand]], [[chaparral]], and dry foothill communities. It is found from sea level to 800&nbsp;m (2600&nbsp;ft.) in elevation. <ref name=xj593>[http://www.efloras.org/florataxon.aspx?flora_id=1&taxon_id=250066144 Flora of North America Vol. 19, 20 and 21 Page 524 California sagebrush, ''Artemisia californica'' Lessing, Linnaea. 6: 523. 1831. ]</ref>


⚫
==Description==
⚫
The prototypical plant association of ''A. californica'' is [[chaparral]], notably in the [[California Coast Ranges]]; [[toyon]] and sage are also key components of communities which are transitional between [[chaparral]] and coastal sage scrub.<ref>[http://globaltwitcher.auderis.se/artspec_information.asp?thingid=84109&lang=us C. Michael Hogan, (2008) ''Toyon (Heteromeles arbutifolia)'', GlobalTwitcher, ed. N. Stromberg]</ref> It is often claimed to be [[allelopathy|allelopathic]], secreting chemicals into the ground which inhibit other plants from growing near and around the shrub.<ref name=fs/>
⚫
''Artemisia californica'' branches from the base and grows out from there, becoming rounded; it grows {{convert|1.5 to 2.5|m|ft|frac=2|abbr=off}} tall. The [[Plant stem|stem]]s of the plant are slender, flexible, and [[Glabrous (botany)|glabrous]] (hairless) or canescent (fuzzy). The [[leaves]] range from {{convert|1 to 10|cm|frac=4|abbr=off}} long and are [[pinnate]]ly divided with 2–4 threadlike lobes less than 5&nbsp;cm long. Their leaves are hairy and light green to gray in color; the margins of the leaves curl under.<ref name="xj593">{{Cite web |title=Artemisia californica in Flora of North America @ efloras.org |url=http://www.efloras.org/florataxon.aspx?flora_id=1&taxon_id=250066144 |access-date=2020-10-04 |website=www.efloras.org}}</ref>


⚫
The [[inflorescence]]s are leafy, narrow, and sparse. The [[Pseudanthium|capitula]] are less than {{convert|5|mm|frac=16}} in diameter. The [[pistillate]] flowers range in number from 6 to 10 and the [[disk flowers]] range from 15 to 30; they are generally yellowish, but sometimes red.
⚫
[[File:ArtemisiaCalifornica-GaviotaCA.jpg|right|thumb|''Artemisia californica'' in [[Gaviota State Park]], California.]]
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[[File:Artemisia californica 2c.JPG|thumb|right|Gray mature foliage.]]


Artemisia species are sunflower ([[Asteraceae]]) family members, however unlike many other members of the family, they often produce small, unnoticeable blooms.  Their attractive silvery leaf, which is often fragrant when crushed, is their strongest feature in the garden.  The often pleasing perfume of the stems and leaves is caused by essential oils, which also deters animal and insect pests.  They are an essential source of food for local wildlife because they flower late in the season.  The genus Artemisia is widespread in the Old and New Worlds, and many species have been utilized for hundreds of years in Europe, Asia, and the Americas in [[horticulture]], cooking, and medicine.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Blogger |first=CNPS |date=2012-03-23 |title=Artemisia in the Garden |url=https://www.cnps.org/gardening/artemisia-in-the-garden-486 |access-date=2023-10-25 |website=California Native Plant Society |language=en-US}}</ref>
⚫
==Description==
⚫
''Artemisia californica'' branches from the base and grows out from there, becoming rounded; it grows 1.5 to 2.5 meters (5–8&nbsp;ft.) tall. The [[Plant stem|stem]]s of the plant are slender, flexible, and [[glabrous]] (hairless) or canescent (fuzzy). The [[leaf|leaves]] range from one to 10 centimeters long and are [[pinnate]]ly divided with 2–4 threadlike lobes less than five centimeters long. Their leaves are hairy and light green to gray in color; the margins of the leaves curl under.<ref name=xj593>[http://www.efloras.org/florataxon.aspx?flora_id=1&taxon_id=250066144 Flora of North America Vol. 19, 20 and 21 Page 524 California sagebrush, ''Artemisia californica'' Lessing, Linnaea. 6: 523. 1831. ]</ref>


California sagebrush is sometimes confused for a true sage ([[Salvia]]) due to its common name and leaves that smells like sage.  It is a crucial part of the community of coastal sage scrub habitat and is frequently widely utilized in restoration initiatives.  When planted in full sun, it can reach heights and widths of roughly 4' and 4'.  Once established, it may survive without additional water, but will appear happier when watered occasionally in the deep summer.  Sagebrush's beautifully split gray leaves contrast nicely with the garden's lush green vegetation.  
⚫
The [[inflorescence]]s are leafy, narrow, and sparse. The [[Head (botany)|capitula]] are less than 5 millimeters in diameter. The [[pistillate]] flowers range in number from 6 to 10 and the [[disk flowers]] range from 15 to 30, and they are generally yellowish, but sometimes red.


The [[fruit]]s produced are [[resinous]] [[achene]]s up to 1.5 millimeters long. There is a [[Pappus (flower structure)|pappus]] present that forms a minute [[Crown (botany)|crown]] on the body of the [[achene]].<ref name=xj593/>
The [[fruit]]s produced are [[resin]]ous [[achene]]s up to 1.5&nbsp;mm long. There is a [[Pappus (botany)|pappus]] present that forms a minute [[Crown (botany)|crown]] on the achene body.<ref name=xj593/>


The plant contains [[terpene]]s which make it quite [[aromatic]].<ref name=fs>[http://www.fs.fed.us/database/feis/plants/shrub/artcal/all.html Forest Service Fire Ecology]</ref> Many people regard the species to have a pleasant smell.<ref>[https://archive.is/20071227120906/http://mymotherlode.com/News/article/kvml/1129144982 Native Salvias and Artemisias] MyMotherLode.com October 15, 2006</ref>
The plant contains [[terpene]]s which make it quite [[aroma]]tic.<ref name="fs">{{Cite web|title=Artemisia californica|url=https://www.fs.fed.us/database/feis/plants/shrub/artcal/all.html|access-date=2020-10-04|website=www.fs.fed.us}}</ref> Many people regard the species as having a pleasant smell.<ref>[https://archive.today/20071227120906/http://mymotherlode.com/News/article/kvml/1129144982 Native Salvias and Artemisias] MyMotherLode.com October 15, 2006</ref>


{{gallery|mode=packed
⚫
==Uses==
|Artemisia californica01.jpg|Young green foliage
===Food Uses===
|Artemisia californica - Manhattan Beach Botanical Garden - Manhattan Beach, CA - DSC01258.jpg|Specimen in [[Manhattan Beach Botanical Garden]]
Although ''Artemisia californica'' is a [[sagebrush (plant)|sagebrush]], not a true [[Salvia|sage]], it can be used in cooking as a [[spice]] and can also be made into a [[Herbal tea|tea]].{{Citation needed|date=May 2016}}
|Artemisia californica - Manhattan Beach Botanical Garden - Manhattan Beach, CA - DSC01262.jpg|Close-up of foliage with dry flowers
⚫
|Artemisia californica 2c.JPG|Mature gray foliage
|J20160916-0001—Artemisia californica—RPBG—DxO (29147730514).jpg|Close-up of mature foliage
|Artemisia californica seeds.png|Seeds and spent [[pseudanthium|pseudanthia]] of ''Artemisia californica''
}}


⚫
== Distribution and habitat ==
⚫
===Medicinal===
⚫
In the past it was employed as a treatment to fight coughs and colds by the [[Cahuilla]] natives. They chewed the leaves, either dried or fresh.<ref>[http://herb.umd.umich.edu/herb/search.pl?searchstring=Artemisia+californica University of Michigan, Dearborn: Native American Ethnobotany of ''Artemisia californica'']</ref><ref name="California Sagebrush Background">{{cite web|title=Artemisia californica|url=http://www.fs.fed.us/global/iitf/pdf/shrubs/Artemisia%20californica.pdf|website=fs.fed.us}}</ref> It was used by women of the [[Cahuilla]] and [[Tongva people|Tongva]] to alleviate [[dysmenorrhea|menstrual cramps]] and to ease [[Childbirth|labor]]. The plant stimulates the [[uterine]] [[mucosa]], which quickened childbirth. It was also made into a [[decoction]], and if taken regularly prior to [[menstruation]], it relieved [[menstrual cramps]] and [[menopause]].<ref name=fs2>[http://www.fs.fed.us/global/iitf/pdf/shrubs/Artemisia%20californica.pdf United States Department of Agriculture, National Forest Service Info Sheet]</ref><ref name="California Sagebrush Background" /> The [[Ohlone]] used it as a pain remover by applying the leaves to wounds or teeth. It was also made into a tea bath to cure colds, coughs, and [[rheumatism]]. It was used as a [[poultice]] for [[asthma]] as well.<ref name="California Sagebrush Background" />


The shrub is native to western [[California]] and northwestern [[Baja California]]. It is [[endemic]] to the [[California chaparral and woodlands]] ecoregion, in [[coastal sage scrub]], [[Coastal Strand|coastal strand]], [[chaparral]], and dry foothill communities. It is found from sea level to {{Convert|800|m|abbr=on}} in elevation.<ref name="xj593" /> This species is also found on many islands adjacent to the [[Baja California peninsula]], including the [[Coronado Islands]] and [[Cedros Island]]. It is even found on [[Guadalupe Island]], in the Pacific Ocean.<ref name="rebman">{{Cite journal |last1=Rebman |first1=J. P. |last2=Gibson |first2=J. |last3=Rich |first3=K. |date=2016 |title=Annotated checklist of the vascular plants of Baja California, Mexico |url=http://sdplantatlas.org/pdffiles/BajaChecklist2016.pdf |journal=San Diego Society of Natural History |volume=45 |pages=44}}</ref>
A. californica is used to make a liniment that is a

powerful pain reliever (Adams, 2012b; Fontaine et al., 2013).
⚫
The prototypical plant association of ''A. californica'' is chaparral, notably in the [[California Coast Ranges]]; [[toyon]] and sage are also key components of communities which are transitional between chaparral and coastal sage scrub.<ref>{{Cite web |title=C. Michael Hogan, (2008) ''Toyon (Heteromeles arbutifolia)'', GlobalTwitcher, ed. N. Stromberg |url=http://globaltwitcher.auderis.se/artspec_information.asp?thingid=84109&lang=us |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090719220426/http://globaltwitcher.auderis.se/artspec_information.asp?thingid=84109&lang=us |archive-date=2009-07-19 |access-date=2008-11-27}}</ref> It is often claimed to be [[allelopathy|allelopathic]], secreting chemicals into the ground which inhibit other plants from growing near and around the shrub.<ref name="fs" />
The monoterpenoids in the plant interact with transient receptor

potential cation channels to relieve pain. The plant also
⚫
== Cultivation ==
contains sesquiterpenes that may be involved in pain relief. The

liniment is more powerful than opioid drugs and is much safer.
⚫
This shrub is cultivated as an [[ornamental plant]] in native plant and [[wildlife garden]]s, [[natural landscaping]] design, and for [[ecological restoration|restoration]] of disturbed sites and degraded coastal sage scrub.<ref name="fs" /> There are several lower height [[cultivar]]s in the [[horticulture]] trade, for [[Xeriscaping|drought-tolerant]] [[groundcover]] use.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Artemisia californica, California Sagebrush |url=https://www.laspilitas.com/nature-of-california/plants/93--artemisia-californica |access-date=2020-10-04 |website=www.laspilitas.com}}</ref>
A small amount of the liniment is applied where it is needed.

Within 20 min, the pain subsides, even pain from broken bones,
⚫
It thrives in full sun, preferring to grow on west or north-facing slopes. It needs little water and prefers no water in the summer months; it does not seem that soil types affect plant growth much. This plant relies on [[wildfire]] for seed germination and burned plants can [[crown sprouting|crown-sprout]] and keep growing.
arthritis, sprains and strains <ref>Adams, James David Jr. "What can traditional healing do for modern medicine." Tang [Humanitas Medicine] 4.2 (2014): 3. pag. </ref>

⚫
Animals rarely eat ''Artemisia californica'', probably due to the presence of bitter aromatic [[terpenes]], but it does provide good cover for smaller birds and other animals that can fit between its stems.<ref name="fs" /> It is an important habitat plant for the endangered [[California gnatcatcher]].<ref name="fs" />

⚫
== Uses ==

⚫
===Medicinal===
⚫
The [[Cahuilla]] natives employ the plant as a treatment to fight coughs and colds. They chew the leaves, either dried or fresh.<ref>{{Cite web|title=BRIT - Native American Ethnobotany Database|url=http://naeb.brit.org/redirect/?referer=|access-date=2020-10-04|website=naeb.brit.org}}</ref><ref name="California Sagebrush Background">{{cite web|title=Artemisia californica|url=http://www.fs.fed.us/global/iitf/pdf/shrubs/Artemisia%20californica.pdf|website=fs.fed.us|date=February 2016}}</ref> It is used by women of the Cahuilla and [[Tongva people|Tongva]] to alleviate [[menstrual cramps]] and to ease [[Childbirth|labor]]. The plant stimulates the [[uterine]] [[mucosa]], which quickens childbirth. It is also made into a [[decoction]], and if taken regularly prior to [[menstruation]], it relieves menstrual cramps and [[menopause]].<ref name="fs2">{{Cite web|title=International Programs {{!}} US Forest Service|url=https://www.fs.usda.gov/about-agency/international-programs|access-date=2020-10-04|website=www.fs.usda.gov|date=February 2016}}</ref><ref name="California Sagebrush Background" /> The [[Ohlone]] use it as a pain remover by applying the leaves to wounds or teeth. It is also made into a tea bath to cure colds, coughs, and [[rheumatism]]. It is used as a [[poultice]] for [[asthma]] as well. Its aromatic qualities also make it valuable for incense and perfumes. Today, it continues to be used in native landscaping, providing not only aesthetic appeal but also a link to indigenous traditions.<ref name="California Sagebrush Background" />


''A. californica'' is used to make a liniment that is a powerful pain reliever.<ref>{{cite journal |last1=Adams |first1=James |title=The Use of California Sagebrush (Artemisia californica) Liniment to Control Pain |journal=Pharmaceuticals |date=2012 |volume=5 |issue=10 |pages=1045–53 |doi=10.3390/ph5101045 |pmid=24281255 |pmc=3816656 |doi-access=free }}</ref> The [[monoterpenoids]] in the plant interact with transient receptor potential cation channels to relieve pain. The plant also contains [[sesquiterpene]]s that may be involved in pain relief. The liniment is more powerful than opioid drugs and is much safer. A small amount of the liniment is applied where it is needed. Within 20 minutes, the pain subsides, even pain from broken bones, arthritis, sprains and strains.<ref>Adams, James David Jr. "What can traditional healing do for modern medicine." Tang [Humanitas Medicine] 4.2 (2014): 3. pag.</ref>
⚫
===Cultivation===
⚫
This shrub is cultivated as an [[ornamental plant]] in native plant and [[wildlife garden]]s, [[natural landscaping]] design, and for [[ecological restoration|restoration]] of disturbed sites and degraded coastal sage scrub.<ref name=fs/> There are several lower height [[cultivar]]s in the [[horticulture]] trade, for [[xeriscape|drought tolerant]] [[groundcover]] use. <ref>[http://www.laspilitas.com/plants/93.htm Las Pilitas Horticulture Database: ''Artemisia californica'']</ref>


== Conservation Issues & Efforts ==
⚫
It thrives in full sun, preferring to grow on west or north-facing slopes. It needs little water and prefers no water in the summer months; it does not seem that soil types affect plant growth much. This plant relies on [[wildfire]] for seed germination and burned plants can [[crown sprouting|crown-sprout]] and keep growing.
There are various conservation issues with California sagebrush. Threats to its natural habitat include exotic species, [[habitat fragmentation]], and urban development. In recognition of the significance of Artemisia californica in preserving [[biodiversity]], efforts are being made to conserve and restore the [[Coastal sage scrub|coastal sage]] scrub environment.<ref>Hickson, D. E., Chan, M. L., Groenendyk, D., & Safford, H. D. (2017). Quantifying vegetation change within the Southern California coastal sage scrub monitoring network. Ecological Indicators, 77, 212-224.</ref>


Numerous conservation initiatives have been started as a result of the California sagebrush's significance in [[coastal habitats]]. Projects aiming at preserving habitat and restoring the coastal sage scrub ecosystem are among them. These conservation activities must include invasive species management tactics, awareness-raising campaigns, and community involvement.
⚫
Animals rarely eat ''Artemisia californica'', probably due to the presence of bitter aromatic [[terpenes]], but it does provide good cover for smaller birds and other animals that can fit between its stems.<ref name=fs/> It is an important habitat plant for the endangered [[California gnatcatcher]].<ref name=fs/>


==See also==
==See also==
Line 60: Line 73:


==References==
==References==
{{reflist|26em}}
{{Reflist|26em}}


==External links==
==External links==
{{Commonscat|Artemisia californica|<br>Artemisia californica}}
{{Commons category|Artemisia californica|<br>Artemisia californica}}
*[http://www.calflora.org/cgi-bin/species_query.cgi?where-calrecnum=705 Calflora Database: ''Artemisia californica'' (California sagebrush, Coast sagebrush)]
*[http://www.calflora.org/cgi-bin/species_query.cgi?where-calrecnum=705 Calflora Database: ''Artemisia californica'' (California sagebrush, Coast sagebrush)]
*[http://herbaria4.herb.berkeley.edu/eflora_display.php?tid=1171 Jepson Manual eFlora (TJM2) treatment of ''Artemisia californica'']{{dead link|date=October 2016 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}
*[http://ucjeps.berkeley.edu/eflora/eflora_display.php?tid=1171 Jepson Manual eFlora (TJM2) treatment of ''Artemisia californica'']
*[http://plants.usda.gov/java/profile?symbol=ARCA11 USDA Plants Profile for ''Artemisia californica'' (coastal sagebrush)]
*[http://plants.usda.gov/java/profile?symbol=ARCA11 USDA Plants Profile for ''Artemisia californica'' (coastal sagebrush)]
*[http://calphotos.berkeley.edu/cgi-bin/img_query?where-taxon=Artemisia+californica&where-anno=1 UC Photos gallery: ''Artemisia californica'']
*[http://calphotos.berkeley.edu/cgi-bin/img_query?where-taxon=Artemisia+californica&where-anno=1 UC Photos gallery: ''Artemisia californica'']


{{Taxonbar|from=Q4797496}}
{{taxonbar}}


[[Category:Artemisia (genus)|californica]]
[[Category:Artemisia (genus)|californica]]
[[Category:Flora of California]]
[[Category:Flora of California]]
[[Category:Flora of Baja California]]
[[Category:Flora of Baja California]]
[[Category:Flora of Guadalupe Island]]
[[Category:Natural history of the California chaparral and woodlands]]
[[Category:Natural history of the California chaparral and woodlands]]
[[Category:Natural history of the California Coast Ranges]]
[[Category:Natural history of the California Coast Ranges]]
Line 85: Line 99:
[[Category:Garden plants of North America]]
[[Category:Garden plants of North America]]
[[Category:Drought-tolerant plants]]
[[Category:Drought-tolerant plants]]
[[Category:Flora without expected TNC conservation status]]

Latest revision as of 09:42, 16 December 2024

Artemisia californica
Artemisia californica in Gaviota State Park, California

Apparently Secure  (NatureServe)[1]
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Tracheophytes
Clade: Angiosperms
Clade: Eudicots
Clade: Asterids
Order: Asterales
Family: Asteraceae
Genus: Artemisia
Species:
A. californica
Binomial name
Artemisia californica
Synonyms[2]
  • Artemisia abrotanoides Nutt.
  • Artemisia fischeriana Besser
  • Artemisia foliosa Nutt.
  • Crossostephium californicum (Less.) Rydb.

Artemisia californica, also known as California sagebrush, is a species of western North American shrub in the sunflower family.

In the western United States, California sagebrush is grown in native plant gardens and as a drought-resistant landscaping choice. In addition to its drought resistance and capacity to draw pollinators like bees and butterflies, its silvery foliage is popular with gardeners and horticulturists.

Description

[edit]

Artemisia californica branches from the base and grows out from there, becoming rounded; it grows 1.5 to 2.5 metres (5 to 8 feet) tall. The stems of the plant are slender, flexible, and glabrous (hairless) or canescent (fuzzy). The leaves range from 1 to 10 centimetres (1⁄2 to 4 inches) long and are pinnately divided with 2–4 threadlike lobes less than 5 cm long. Their leaves are hairy and light green to gray in color; the margins of the leaves curl under.[3]

The inflorescences are leafy, narrow, and sparse. The capitula are less than 5 millimetres (3⁄16 in) in diameter. The pistillate flowers range in number from 6 to 10 and the disk flowers range from 15 to 30; they are generally yellowish, but sometimes red.

Artemisia species are sunflower (Asteraceae) family members, however unlike many other members of the family, they often produce small, unnoticeable blooms.  Their attractive silvery leaf, which is often fragrant when crushed, is their strongest feature in the garden.  The often pleasing perfume of the stems and leaves is caused by essential oils, which also deters animal and insect pests.  They are an essential source of food for local wildlife because they flower late in the season.  The genus Artemisia is widespread in the Old and New Worlds, and many species have been utilized for hundreds of years in Europe, Asia, and the Americas in horticulture, cooking, and medicine.[4]

California sagebrush is sometimes confused for a true sage (Salvia) due to its common name and leaves that smells like sage.  It is a crucial part of the community of coastal sage scrub habitat and is frequently widely utilized in restoration initiatives.  When planted in full sun, it can reach heights and widths of roughly 4' and 4'.  Once established, it may survive without additional water, but will appear happier when watered occasionally in the deep summer.  Sagebrush's beautifully split gray leaves contrast nicely with the garden's lush green vegetation.  

The fruits produced are resinous achenes up to 1.5 mm long. There is a pappus present that forms a minute crown on the achene body.[3]

The plant contains terpenes which make it quite aromatic.[5] Many people regard the species as having a pleasant smell.[6]

Distribution and habitat

[edit]

The shrub is native to western California and northwestern Baja California. It is endemic to the California chaparral and woodlands ecoregion, in coastal sage scrub, coastal strand, chaparral, and dry foothill communities. It is found from sea level to 800 m (2,600 ft) in elevation.[3] This species is also found on many islands adjacent to the Baja California peninsula, including the Coronado Islands and Cedros Island. It is even found on Guadalupe Island, in the Pacific Ocean.[7]

The prototypical plant association of A. californica is chaparral, notably in the California Coast Ranges; toyon and sage are also key components of communities which are transitional between chaparral and coastal sage scrub.[8] It is often claimed to be allelopathic, secreting chemicals into the ground which inhibit other plants from growing near and around the shrub.[5]

Cultivation

[edit]

This shrub is cultivated as an ornamental plant in native plant and wildlife gardens, natural landscaping design, and for restoration of disturbed sites and degraded coastal sage scrub.[5] There are several lower height cultivars in the horticulture trade, for drought-tolerant groundcover use.[9]

It thrives in full sun, preferring to grow on west or north-facing slopes. It needs little water and prefers no water in the summer months; it does not seem that soil types affect plant growth much. This plant relies on wildfire for seed germination and burned plants can crown-sprout and keep growing.

Animals rarely eat Artemisia californica, probably due to the presence of bitter aromatic terpenes, but it does provide good cover for smaller birds and other animals that can fit between its stems.[5] It is an important habitat plant for the endangered California gnatcatcher.[5]

Uses

[edit]

Medicinal

[edit]

The Cahuilla natives employ the plant as a treatment to fight coughs and colds. They chew the leaves, either dried or fresh.[10][11] It is used by women of the Cahuilla and Tongva to alleviate menstrual cramps and to ease labor. The plant stimulates the uterine mucosa, which quickens childbirth. It is also made into a decoction, and if taken regularly prior to menstruation, it relieves menstrual cramps and menopause.[12][11] The Ohlone use it as a pain remover by applying the leaves to wounds or teeth. It is also made into a tea bath to cure colds, coughs, and rheumatism. It is used as a poultice for asthma as well. Its aromatic qualities also make it valuable for incense and perfumes. Today, it continues to be used in native landscaping, providing not only aesthetic appeal but also a link to indigenous traditions.[11]

A. californica is used to make a liniment that is a powerful pain reliever.[13] The monoterpenoids in the plant interact with transient receptor potential cation channels to relieve pain. The plant also contains sesquiterpenes that may be involved in pain relief. The liniment is more powerful than opioid drugs and is much safer. A small amount of the liniment is applied where it is needed. Within 20 minutes, the pain subsides, even pain from broken bones, arthritis, sprains and strains.[14]

Conservation Issues & Efforts

[edit]

There are various conservation issues with California sagebrush. Threats to its natural habitat include exotic species, habitat fragmentation, and urban development. In recognition of the significance of Artemisia californica in preserving biodiversity, efforts are being made to conserve and restore the coastal sage scrub environment.[15]

Numerous conservation initiatives have been started as a result of the California sagebrush's significance in coastal habitats. Projects aiming at preserving habitat and restoring the coastal sage scrub ecosystem are among them. These conservation activities must include invasive species management tactics, awareness-raising campaigns, and community involvement.

See also

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References

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  1. ^ "NatureServe Explorer 2.0". explorer.natureserve.org. Retrieved 2023-10-23.
  2. ^ The Plant List Artemisia californica Less.
  3. ^ a b c "Artemisia californica in Flora of North America @ efloras.org". www.efloras.org. Retrieved 2020-10-04.
  4. ^ Blogger, CNPS (2012-03-23). "Artemisia in the Garden". California Native Plant Society. Retrieved 2023-10-25.
  5. ^ a b c d e "Artemisia californica". www.fs.fed.us. Retrieved 2020-10-04.
  6. ^ Native Salvias and Artemisias MyMotherLode.com October 15, 2006
  7. ^ Rebman, J. P.; Gibson, J.; Rich, K. (2016). "Annotated checklist of the vascular plants of Baja California, Mexico" (PDF). San Diego Society of Natural History. 45: 44.
  8. ^ "C. Michael Hogan, (2008) Toyon (Heteromeles arbutifolia), GlobalTwitcher, ed. N. Stromberg". Archived from the original on 2009-07-19. Retrieved 2008-11-27.
  9. ^ "Artemisia californica, California Sagebrush". www.laspilitas.com. Retrieved 2020-10-04.
  10. ^ "BRIT - Native American Ethnobotany Database". naeb.brit.org. Retrieved 2020-10-04.
  11. ^ a b c "Artemisia californica" (PDF). fs.fed.us. February 2016.
  12. ^ "International Programs | US Forest Service". www.fs.usda.gov. February 2016. Retrieved 2020-10-04.
  13. ^ Adams, James (2012). "The Use of California Sagebrush (Artemisia californica) Liniment to Control Pain". Pharmaceuticals. 5 (10): 1045–53. doi:10.3390/ph5101045. PMC 3816656. PMID 24281255.
  14. ^ Adams, James David Jr. "What can traditional healing do for modern medicine." Tang [Humanitas Medicine] 4.2 (2014): 3. pag.
  15. ^ Hickson, D. E., Chan, M. L., Groenendyk, D., & Safford, H. D. (2017). Quantifying vegetation change within the Southern California coastal sage scrub monitoring network. Ecological Indicators, 77, 212-224.
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