Artemisia stelleriana aka Dusty Miller

Artemisia stelleriana is a perennial in the sunflower family. Its common names include beach wormwood, dusty miller, and old woman. It grows wild in China, Japan, Korea, and far eastern Russia. Its native range also includes western Canada and Alaska's Aleutian Islands. It has spread beyond its native range along North America's Atlantic coast. There, it grows on dunes and other sandy coastal sites. It also grows on coastal cliffs in Japan.

This low plant forms a mat and spreads through rhizomes. Garden plants reach about 1 foot [0.3 m] tall. RHS gives a height range of 0.3–1.6 feet [0.1–0.5 m]. Its spread reaches 1.6–3.3 feet [0.5–1 m]. Plants take two to five years to reach full size. The leaves have deep lobes and a mild scent. Dense hairs cover both sides, giving them a silver-grey look. The stout, upright stems also bear thick hairs. Leaves often stay through winter but may fall in severe cold.

Small yellow flowers rise above the leaves during summer. Chicago Botanic Garden lists flowering from July to August. The cup-shaped blooms grow along stalks that look like spikes. Each flower measures less than 0.08 feet [0.025 m] across. Bees and butterflies visit the blooms. The silver leaves provide contrast beside plants with bold colours. Gardeners use this species for borders, edging, and ground cover. It also suits rock gardens, coastal beds, and containers. Deer tend to leave it alone.

Grow beach wormwood in full sun with soil that drains well. It handles sand, loam, chalk, and shallow rocky ground. It accepts acid, neutral, and alkaline soil. Heat, drought, and salt spray suit its coastal habit. It does not cope well with shade or wet soil. Chicago lists USDA zones 4–7; NC State gives zones 3–9. RHS rates its UK hardiness as H5. Care needs are low, and growth is moderate. Trim untidy growth in spring. Divide plants in spring or take semi-ripe cuttings in late summer.

RHS reports few pest problems but notes possible honey fungus. Heavy soil with poor drainage can also harm the plant. Plants For A Future records leaves used to flavour rice dumplings. It gives the plant a low food-use rating. That source lists no known medicinal use. It reports no toxicity records for this species. This absence of reports does not establish safety for pets or people.