Cottage Garden Living, Gardening, Herbs, Jacki Kellum Garden

Artemisia – Herb Named for an Ancient Greek Goddess

Posted by jackikellum on


There are about 500 species of Artemisia. In this post, I’ll tell you about a few of those varieties, and I’ll tell you about the Ancient Greek Goddess Artemis.

Diana and Cupid Painted by Pomeo Batoni at the Metropolitan Museum of Art 1761

“Artemisia was named for the Greek goddess Artemis. In Ancient Greek Mythology, Artemis was the name of the goddess who was called Diana in Ancient Rome. Artemis was the goddess of the hunt. She is usually depicted as holding a bow and arrows. In this painting, Artemis has the bow, but Cupid [called Eos in Ancient Greece] has the quiver of arrows.” “Diana and Cupid.” The Metropolitan Museum of Art, www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/435622. Accessed 4 Sept. 2022.

“Common wormwood (Artemisia absinthium) is a perennial herb used in the alcoholic beverages absinthe and vermouth. The bitter-tasting plant has been used for centuries for medicinal purposes to reduce pain and swelling and to treat digestion problems, intestinal worms, and skin infections. Other species of wormwood are also used medicinally.

“Wormwood can be grown from seeds or purchased as a supplement and a dried herb. Despite its possible benefits, pure untreated wormwood contains a chemical called thujone that can be toxic and cause hallucinations and seizures.” Very Well Health

Artemisia Ludoviciana, Western Mugwort, White Sage, Silver Wormwood, Louisiana Sage, Prairie Sage, Silver Queen, Silver King, Silver Frost, Artemisia Valerie Finnis, Silver foliage plant, aromatic foliage plant

White Sage (Artemisia ludoviciana)
Image Credit: gardenia.net
Height: 12 – 36″

Artemisia ‘Oriental Limelight'(Wormwood ‘Oriental Limelight’
Image Credit: Hooks Green
Height: 24″ – 36″
Spreads rampantly.

Artemesia Wormwood (Artemisia absinthium)
Image Credit: Wikipedia
Height: 24 – 36″