Redstem Wormwood: A Hardy Biennial for Challenging Garden Spots
Meet redstem wormwood (Artemisia scoparia), a tough little biennial that’s earned quite a reputation for thriving where other plants fear to tread. While it might not win any beauty contests, this resilient plant has some interesting qualities that make it worth considering—or at least understanding—for certain gardening situations.
Getting to Know Redstem Wormwood
Redstem wormwood is a biennial plant, meaning it completes its life cycle over two years. In its first year, it forms a low rosette of finely divided, feathery leaves. Come the second year, it shoots up tall flowering stems that can reach 3-6 feet in height and spread about 2-3 feet wide. True to its name, the stems often develop a distinctive reddish tinge that becomes more pronounced as the season progresses.
The plant produces tiny, inconspicuous greenish flowers arranged in dense, narrow clusters during late summer. While these flowers won’t stop traffic, they do attract small insects and can add a subtle textural element to naturalized plantings.
Where It Comes From (And Where It’s Going)
Originally hailing from Asia, redstem wormwood is a non-native species that has made itself quite at home in North America. It’s an introduced plant that reproduces spontaneously in the wild and has established populations across various states, including Maryland. This adaptable traveler has proven particularly good at colonizing disturbed soils and vacant lots.
The Good, The Bad, and The Practical
So why might you want—or not want—redstem wormwood in your garden? Here’s the honest scoop:
Reasons you might appreciate it:
- Extremely drought tolerant once established
- Thrives in poor, disturbed soils where other plants struggle
- Requires virtually no care or maintenance
- Can provide quick coverage for problem areas
- Hardy across USDA zones 3-9
Reasons you might think twice:
- Not particularly ornamental
- Can self-seed aggressively
- May outcompete more desirable plants
- Limited wildlife value compared to native alternatives
Growing Redstem Wormwood Successfully
If you decide to give redstem wormwood a try, you’ll find it refreshingly low-maintenance. This plant practically grows itself!
Ideal Growing Conditions
- Sunlight: Full sun (6+ hours daily)
- Soil: Well-drained soils; actually prefers poor to average soil
- Water: Drought tolerant; minimal watering needed once established
- pH: Adaptable to various pH levels
Planting and Care Tips
Redstem wormwood is typically grown from seed, which can be direct-sown in fall or early spring. The seeds need light to germinate, so barely cover them with soil. Given its self-seeding nature, you’ll likely only need to plant it once!
Care is minimal—perhaps too minimal for some gardeners’ comfort. Simply provide full sun and well-drained soil, and step back. Avoid over-fertilizing, as this can actually make the plant floppier and less attractive.
Garden Design and Landscape Use
Redstem wormwood works best in naturalized settings rather than formal garden beds. Consider it for:
- Prairie or meadow restorations
- Erosion control on slopes
- Pioneer planting in disturbed areas
- Background filler in wildflower gardens
Its fine-textured foliage can provide a nice contrast to broader-leaved plants, though its somewhat weedy appearance makes it better suited to casual rather than formal landscapes.
Wildlife and Pollinator Benefits
While redstem wormwood does produce flowers that attract some small insects, its wildlife value is relatively limited compared to native alternatives. The seeds may provide some food for birds, but overall, this plant doesn’t offer the robust ecosystem support that native species provide.
Consider Native Alternatives
If you’re looking for similar qualities but want to support local ecosystems, consider these native alternatives:
- Prairie sage (Artemisia ludoviciana) for similar fine texture
- Wild bergamot (Monarda fistulosa) for disturbed soil tolerance
- Little bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium) for drought tolerance and wildlife value
The Bottom Line
Redstem wormwood is like that reliable friend who’s always there when you need them—not flashy, but dependable. It serves a purpose in challenging growing conditions and asks for nothing in return. While it won’t be the star of your garden show, it can play a useful supporting role in the right setting.
Just keep an eye on its spreading tendencies, and consider whether a native alternative might better serve both your garden goals and local wildlife. Sometimes the most practical choice isn’t always the most ecological one—but understanding your options helps you make the best decision for your unique gardening situation.
