Contents
Description
Seriphidium Maritimum, also known as Sea Wormwood, is a perennial herb that belongs to the Asteraceae family. This plant is native to coastal areas of Europe, North Africa, and Asia. It has a woody stem, which is covered with grayish-green leaves. The plant produces small, yellowish-green flowers that bloom from July to October.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Asterales |
| Family | Asteraceae |
| Genus | Seriphidium |
Appearance
The Sea Wormwood plant grows up to a height of 50-100 cm. The stem is woody and covered with grayish-green leaves that are narrow and pointed. The leaves are about 1-3 cm long and 0.5-1 mm wide. The flowers are small, yellowish-green, and have a diameter of about 2-3 mm. They bloom from July to October and are arranged in clusters at the top of the stem. The fruit is a small, brown, and dry achene that is about 1-2 mm long.
Care Guide
Sea Wormwood is a hardy plant that requires minimal maintenance. It can tolerate dry and poor soil conditions. Here are some care tips:
- Water: Water the plant only when the soil is dry. Overwatering can lead to root rot.
- Fertilization: Fertilize the plant once a year in the spring with a slow-release fertilizer.
- Soil: The plant prefers well-drained soil that is poor in nutrients.
- Sunlight: The plant requires full sunlight to thrive.
- Hardiness Zones: Sea Wormwood is hardy in USDA zones 6-9.
Common Pests & Diseases
Sea Wormwood is generally resistant to pests and diseases. However, it may be susceptible to aphids and spider mites. Here are some common pests and diseases:
- Aphids: These small insects feed on the plant’s sap and can cause stunted growth and yellowing of the leaves.
- Spider mites: These tiny pests can cause leaf discoloration and webbing on the leaves.
- Powdery mildew: This fungal disease causes a white powdery coating on the leaves.
Habitat
Sea Wormwood is native to coastal areas of Europe, North Africa, and Asia. It grows in sandy soils and is commonly found in dunes and salt marshes. The plant can tolerate salty soil and high winds.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Sea Wormwood edible?
A: No, Sea Wormwood is not edible. It has a bitter taste and can cause vomiting and diarrhea if ingested in large quantities.
Q: Can Sea Wormwood be grown indoors?
A: No, Sea Wormwood is an outdoor plant that requires full sunlight to thrive.
Q: Does Sea Wormwood have any medicinal properties?
A: Yes, Sea Wormwood has been used in traditional medicine to treat digestive problems and fever.
Q: Can Sea Wormwood be used as a natural insect repellent?
A: Yes, Sea Wormwood contains compounds that are known to repel insects, including mosquitoes and flies.
Related Plants
- Artemisia absinthium (Wormwood)
- Artemisia vulgaris (Mugwort)
- Artemisia annua (Sweet Wormwood)
- Artemisia dracunculus (Tarragon)
References
- “Seriphidium maritimum (L.) Poljakov”. Plants of the World Online. Kew Science. Retrieved 21 August 2021.
- “Seriphidium maritimum (L.) Poljakov”. Euro+Med Plantbase. Retrieved 21 August 2021.
- “Seriphidium maritimum”. Flora of China. Retrieved 21 August 2021.
