Artemisia lancea
Van.
(c) JODY HSIEH, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC), uploaded by JODY HSIEH
(c) Jacy Chen, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Jacy Chen
(c) 小铖/Smalltown, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC), uploaded by 小铖/Smalltown
What to Eat
Edible parts: Leaves
Young leaves - cooked.
Known Hazards
Where to Find It
E. Asia - China, Japan, Korea, Manchuria.
TEMPERATE ASIA: China (Anhui Sheng, Zhejiang Sheng, Fujian Sheng, Heilongjiang Sheng, Henan Sheng, Hebei Sheng, Hunan Sheng, Hubei Sheng, Gansu Sheng (south), Jiangxi Sheng, Jiangsu Sheng, Jilin Sheng, Guangdong Sheng, Guizhou Sheng, Liaoning Sheng, Shanxi Sheng, Shandong Sheng, Shaanxi Sheng (south), Sichuan Sheng, Yunnan Sheng, Nei Mongol Zizhiqu (south), Guangxi Zhuangzu Zizhiqu), Japan (Honshu, Kyushu, Shikoku), Korea, South, Taiwan
How to Identify
Artemisia lancea is a PERENNIAL growing to 1.2 m (4ft). It is in flower from August to October, and the seeds ripen from August to October. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers dry or moist soil and can tolerate drought.
How to Grow
We have very little information on this species and do not know if it will be hardy in Britain, though judging by its native range it should succeed outdoors in many parts of this country. The following notes are based on the general needs of the genus. Easily grown in a well-drained circumneutral or slightly alkaline loamy soil, preferring a warm sunny dry position. Established plants are drought tolerant. Plants are longer lived, more hardy and more aromatic when they are grown in a poor dry soil. Members of this genus are rarely if ever troubled by browsing deer.
Propagation: Seed - surface sow from late winter to early summer in a greenhouse. When large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and plant them out in the summer. Division in spring or autumn. Basal cuttings in late spring. Harvest the young shoots when about10 - 15cm long, pot up in a lightly shaded position in a greenhouse or cold frame and plant them out when well rooted. Very easy.
Medicinal Uses
Anodyne Febrifuge Skin Stomachic. The juice of the plant is applied externally to boils. It is also applied to the forehead to relieve headaches. The leaf juice is taken internally in the treatment of fevers and gastric troubles. It is also considered to be of value in treating coughs and colds.
