Sage: Prairie (Artemisia frigida)
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Prairie Sage grows prolifically in the mountains and prairies of the United States, providing high quality winter forage for wild animals such as pronghorn, grouse, and elk. It also survives the harsh climate of the steppes of Canada, Siberia, and Mongolia; the first recorded mention of this species in the wild occurred in Siberia in 1803. Its unusual root system enables it to adjust to the moisture level of the soil, growing either a deep taproot or branching roots near the surface. Native Americans and early settlers used the foliage of this plant medicinally to treat infection, coughs, and indigestion; because of its softness and fragrance, pioneer women would stuff pillows with dried bunches of fringed sage. When burned on a campfire, the dried leaves repel unwanted insects such as mosquitoes. However, its appearance alone makes this plant valuable; its silvery beauty won it the Royal Horticultural Society’s Award of Garden Merit.
Scientific Name: Artemisia frigida
Also Known As: Silky Wormwood, Fringed Sagebrush, Fringed Sagewort, Pasture Sage, Prairie Sage, Prairie Sagewort, Fringed Wormwood, Sweet Sage, Northern Wormwood.
Native Range: Asia, eastern Europe, North America.
Ease of Growing: Moderate.
Grown as: Perennial
Maturity (Blooms): August
Light: Full sun
Water: Low. Does poorly in moist to wet soils where plants are susceptible to root rot.
Soil Moisture: Dry. Well drained. Excellent soil drainage is essential for growing this plant well.
Attracts Beneficial Insects?: Yes. Attracts hummingbirds as well as being resistance to deer and rabbits.
Containers: No. This plant develops a long tap root making it not a good fit for small containers.
Maintenance: Medium
Light: Full Sun
Soil Moisture: Dry
Height: 9-18”
Spacing: 12-15”
USDA Zone: 3a-10b
Produces: a mat of feathery, silvery green foliage and clusters of tiny yellow flowers.
Garden Uses: Silver-white foliage provides excellent contrast to flowering plants and green foliage in rock gardens, wildflower gardens, border fronts and herb gardens. Good selection for areas with poor dry soils.
Also Known As: Silky Wormwood, Fringed Sagebrush, Fringed Sagewort, Pasture Sage, Prairie Sage, Prairie Sagewort, Fringed Wormwood, Sweet Sage, Northern Wormwood.
Native Range: Asia, eastern Europe, North America.
Ease of Growing: Moderate.
Grown as: Perennial
Maturity (Blooms): August
Light: Full sun
Water: Low. Does poorly in moist to wet soils where plants are susceptible to root rot.
Soil Moisture: Dry. Well drained. Excellent soil drainage is essential for growing this plant well.
Attracts Beneficial Insects?: Yes. Attracts hummingbirds as well as being resistance to deer and rabbits.
Containers: No. This plant develops a long tap root making it not a good fit for small containers.
Maintenance: Medium
Light: Full Sun
Soil Moisture: Dry
Height: 9-18”
Spacing: 12-15”
USDA Zone: 3a-10b
Produces: a mat of feathery, silvery green foliage and clusters of tiny yellow flowers.
Garden Uses: Silver-white foliage provides excellent contrast to flowering plants and green foliage in rock gardens, wildflower gardens, border fronts and herb gardens. Good selection for areas with poor dry soils.
In late fall or early spring, direct sow the seed on the surface of loose soil; thin or transplant seedlings to 12-15” apart. This plant grows best in dry soil and full sun. To start the seed indoors, sow it on the surface of a flat; keep the soil lightly moist and at a temperature of 65-70 degrees F until germination, which should occur within 10-14 days. As soon as the plants grow big enough to handle safely, transplant them 12-15" apart.
Fringed Sage tolerates drought very well, and does not need watering. Excess moisture can cause root rot, and high humidity may damage the plant’s growth. The plant may be lightly pruned to tidy its growth, but do not prune in the fall. The foliage will remain green throughout the winter in warm regions. This plant produces an abundance of seeds, reseeding itself easily if left to drop its seeds. Mature plants can be divided after several years of growth. This plant makes an excellent ground cover, and helps control erosion; deer and rabbits avoid it.
As soon as the plant grows to its mature height, stems can be harvested for fresh use or drying.
When the flowers ripen into seed heads, watch them carefully to determine when the small seeds mature to a dark color. Strip the seed pods from the stem as soon as they fully ripen. Spread them out to dry, then thresh them carefully, taking care not to lose the tiny seed. Store the seed in a cool, dry place.
The leaves are used by the Hopi Indians as a flavoring for sweet corn.
The leaves are stomachic, vermifuge and used in the treatment of women's complaints. The plant contains camphor, which is stimulant and antispasmodic. An infusion of the leaves is used in the treatment of biliousness, indigestion, coughs and colds whilst the leaves are chewed and the juice swallowed to treat heartburn. A poultice of the chewed leaves is used as a poultice to reduce swellings and the leaves are also placed in the nose to stop nosebleeds. A hot poultice of the leaves has been used to treat toothache. The leaves can be used as a sanitary towel to help reduce skin irritation. They are also drunk as a tea when the woman is menstruating or to treat irregular menstruation. The dried leaves are burnt in a room as a disinfectant. A decoction of the root is used as a stimulant and tonic.
Project Purity Seeds can not take any responsibility for any adverse effects from the use of plants. Always seek advice from a professional before using a plant medicinally.
Both the growing and the dried plant can be used as an insect repellent. The leaves can be placed on a camp fire to repel mosquitoes. The aromatic leaves have been used in pillows etc as a deodorant. Bunches of the soft leaves have been used as towels, toilet paper etc. A green dye is obtained from the leaves.