Louisiana Sagewort
Artemisia ludoviciana
Last reviewed: June 2026
Artemisia ludoviciana is a drought-tolerant native perb with silvery foliage that blooms July through September across most of the United States. This Louisiana Sagewort attracts bees, butterflies, and beetles while thriving in sunny, dry conditions.
The USDA PLANTS Database (opens in new tab) does not flag Louisiana Sagewort as toxic to livestock.
Light
full sun
Water
low
Size
12"–36" H × 12"–24" W
Bloom
Jul, Aug, Sep
Native to
AL, AR, AZ, CA and 41 more states
Pollinators
bees, butterflies, beetles
Browse plants for this ecoregion
Louisiana sagewort is a silvery-gray perennial herb with aromatic foliage that forms spreading clumps. It produces small, inconspicuous flower clusters in late summer and thrives in dry conditions with minimal care. The plant goes dormant in winter, losing its leaves completely.
Growing Louisiana Sagewort
Grow Louisiana Sagewort in full sun and low water. Mature plants reach 12 to 36 inches tall and spread 12 to 24 inches wide. Expect moderate maintenance to keep it looking intentional in a front yard.
In an HOA neighborhood
Louisiana Sagewort takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: moderate. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.
Works well in: backyard only.
- Spreads aggressively and can look weedy
- Dies back completely in winter leaving bare patches
- Informal growth habit lacks structured appearance
Wildlife value
The summer flowers attract bees, butterflies, and beetles, providing nectar during the hottest months when many other plants struggle. The dense foliage also offers shelter for beneficial insects.
Common questions
- When does Artemisia ludoviciana bloom?
- Louisiana Sagewort blooms from July through September, producing small inconspicuous flowers that attract various pollinators.
- What pollinators visit Artemisia ludoviciana?
- This native sagewort attracts bees, butterflies, and beetles during its blooming period from summer into early fall.
- Where is Artemisia ludoviciana native?
- Louisiana Sagewort is native to most U.S. states, ranging from coast to coast and found in diverse habitats from prairies to mountain slopes.
- What growing conditions does Louisiana Sagewort prefer?
- Artemisia ludoviciana thrives in full sun with low water requirements, making it excellent for xeriscaping and drought-tolerant landscapes.
- Is Louisiana Sagewort toxic to livestock?
- The USDA PLANTS Database does not flag Louisiana Sagewort as toxic to livestock.
- Is Louisiana Sagewort HOA-friendly?
- Louisiana Sagewort takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.
Native range data from the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.
Ready to grow Louisiana Sagewort? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.
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