Northern wormwood – State Wildlife Action Plan

Northern wormwood

Photo Credit: Oregon Department of Agriculture

Northern wormwood is a low-growing (to 30 cm), tap-rooted biennial or perennial. The basal leaves are 2.5–10 cm long, 2-3 times divided into mostly linear divisions, and crowded into rosettes. Leaves and stems are covered with fine, silky hairs. The inflorescence is narrow, with relatively large flower heads. The outer flowers are pistillate and fertile, disk flowers are sterile, and the achenes and receptacle are glabrous.

Overview

  • Species Common Name Northern wormwood
  • Species Scientific Name Artemisia campestris var. wormskioldii
  • Federal Listing Status Species of Concern
  • State Listing Status Endangered

Ecoregions

Special needs

This species was historically known from the banks of the Columbia River. Northern wormwood is found in shrub-steppe vegetation, typically on basalt, compacted cobble, and sandy substrates.

Limiting factors

Habitat has been lost to highway construction, dams and subsequent flooding, and riparian development.

Conservation actions

Survey likely habitat for new occurrences. Collect and bank seed as insurance against local extirpation or extinction and to use in ex-situ research. Conduct ex-situ seed/plug production for introduction and augmentation efforts.