Artemisia ludoviciana or estafiate is a plant with multiple uses in the field of natural medicine. It is an evergreen shrub belonging to the Asteraceae family, which includes some 23,000 varieties and 1600 genera. Read to the end of this article to learn more about estafiate.
Characteristics of estafiate
Estafiate grows vertically, reaching a height of one meter. It has grayish or whitish branches and its leaves are fragmented into three parts. Its back is hairy and pearly and its face is green. Continue reading the article for more information on these details. Indeed, this aspect makes it stand out in urban gardens. Its blooming season begins in summer and lasts until fall. It contains yellow colored buds that, when "pressed", expel a very distinctive fragrance.
Climate suitable for Estafiate
Estafiate is present in American, Mexican and Guatemalan soils. It is easily found in tropical, semi-tropical, semi-arid or temperate environments. It is most commonly grown in home gardens, although it also thrives in neglected plantings, deciduous, evergreen and thorny woodlands, and oak, pine and juniper forests.
Maintenance of estafiate plants
Because of its rapid growth, transplanting is necessary every year. It does not require much care in terms of pruning, so it will be enough to cut the dry leaves in April, to give it a solid appearance. Soils with neutral acidity and sandy qualities are the most suitable for this plant. With the watering it is not demanding. A little water once a week will be enough to keep the estafiate beautiful. However, it can be adapted taking into account factors such as ambient humidity, temperatures and sun exposure. It requires the soil to be well drained for good flowering. Otherwise it will suffer. Its roots may rot and the bush may fail.