Asteraceae: Sunflower Family – Anthemideae (Mayweed) Tribe: Artemisia
The Sunflower family is a very large family with over 25,000 members. Botanists subdivide the family into a number of tribes, of which 14 are present in Monterey County. The Mayweed tribe includes some obviously daisy-like flowers, and others which have rather undistinguished flowers, like the Artemisia shown on this page. All Artemisia have foliage with a distinctly sage-like aroma, though they are unrelated to true sages, which belong to the Mint family (Lamiaceae).
California Sagebrush / Coast Sagebrush – Artemisia californica
Blooms:
Aug–Nov
Plant Height:
0.6–2.5 m
Flower Size:
Medium cluster
Origin:
Native
Habitat:
Coastal scrub, chaparral, open woodland
Notes:
Very common aromatic shrub with dense, feathery leaves. The leaves are bluish-green early in the year, becoming grayish later as it dries out. Flowers are small, reddish and pendulous.
Mugwort – Artemisia douglasiana
Blooms:
May–Nov
Plant Height:
0.5–1.5 m
Flower Size:
Small cluster
Origin:
Native
Habitat:
Many communities
Notes:
This has tiny, creamy white flowers. It is more easily recognized by its sharply lobed lower leaves, with their almost-white, tomentose undersides. The upper leaves are not lobed (see photo #2). Like California Sagebrush (Artemisia californica, see above), the leaves have a distinct sage-like aroma. Mugwort is said to be an antidote to Poison Oak, though opinions differ as to its effectiveness, so avoidance is undoubtedly the better option. Photos #2-3 by CJH.
Tarragon – Artemisia dracunculus
Blooms:
Aug–Oct
Plant Height:
0.5–1.5 m
Flower Size:
Small clusters
Origin:
Native
Habitat:
Dry, disturbed places
Notes:
This is somewhat similar to Mugwort (Artemisia douglasiana, see above), but the smaller and narrower leaves are green on both sides and the lobes are much narrower. Although related to the culinary Tarragon, this tends to have a weak, unpleasant aroma.
Coastal / Beach Sagewort – Artemisia pycnocephala
Blooms:
June–Sept
Plant Height:
30–70 cm
Flower Size:
Large cluster
Origin:
Native
Habitat:
Rocky or sandy soils, coastal strand
Notes:
Commonly found near California Sagebrush (Artemisia californica, see above), it is immediately distinguishable by its soft, pale gray foliage. Often grows in mounds, with its leafy stems curved near the tip. The flower spike is more congested than that of California Sagebrush, and the flowers are more yellowish. Photos #2-3 by CJH.
