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Artemisia californica, also known as California sagebrush or cowboy cologne (due to its fragrant smell), is a species of western shrub in the Asteraceae.
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.
The are leafy, narrow, and sparse. The Pseudanthium are less than 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.
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 produced are up to 1.5 mm long. There is a pappus present that forms a minute crown on the achene body.
The plant contains which make it quite . Many people regard the species as having a pleasant smell. Native Salvias and Artemisias MyMotherLode.com October 15, 2006
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. It is often claimed to be allelopathy, secreting chemicals into the ground which inhibit other plants from growing near and around the shrub.
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 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. It is an important habitat plant for the endangered California gnatcatcher.
The Cahuilla employ A. californica as a treatment to fight coughs and colds by chewing the leaves, either dried or fresh. It is used by the Cahuilla and Tongva people to alleviate menstrual cramps and to ease Childbirth– the plant stimulates the uterine mucosa, which quickens childbirth. The Ohlone use it as a pain remover by applying the leaves to wounds or teeth.
A. californica is also used to make a liniment that is a powerful pain reliever. The monoterpenoids in the plant interact with transient receptor potential cation channels to relieve pain. The plant also contains 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.Adams, James David Jr. "What can traditional healing do for modern medicine." Tang Humanitas 4.2 (2014): 3. pag.
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.
Distribution and habitat
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 in elevation. 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.
Cultivation
This shrub is cultivated as an ornamental plant in native plant and , natural landscaping design, and for restoration of disturbed sites and degraded coastal sage scrub. There are several lower height in the horticulture trade, for Xeriscaping groundcover use.
Uses
Indigenous uses
A. californica is known by several names to different Chumashan linguistic groups (Barbareño: we'wey; Cruzeño and Inseño: wewey; Obispeño: tilho; Ventureño: wewe'y). (2025). 9780936494029, Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History. ISBN 9780936494029 The Chumash used the plant for many recreational, ritual, and medicinal purposes. For example, stems were used to kindle fire and create arrows, and leaves/branches were used as incense and disinfectants for funeral rituals.
Medicinal
A. californica can be made into a decoction, and if taken regularly prior to menstruation, it relieves menstrual cramps and menopause. It can also be made into a tea bath to cure colds, coughs, and rheumatism, or a poultice to aid asthma. Its aromatic qualities make it valuable for incense and perfumes.
Conservation Issues & Efforts
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.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.
See also
External links
Categories: Californica, Flora Of California, Flora Of Baja California, Flora Of Guadalupe Island, Natural History Of The California Chaparral And Woodlands, Natural History Of The California Coast Ranges, Natural History Of The Channel Islands Of California, Natural History Of The San Francisco Bay Area, Natural History Of The Santa Monica Mountains, Natural History Of The Peninsular Ranges, Natural History Of The Transverse Ranges, Plants Described In 1831, Plants Used In Traditional Native American Medicine, Garden Plants Of North America, Drought-tolerant Plants, Flora Without Expected Tnc Conservation Status, Cuisine Of California, Taxa Named By Christian Friedrich Lessing
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