What is the difference between Artemisia capillaris and Artemisia sieversiana? A quick guide to tell them apart
Leaf differences: The leaves of Artemisia capillaris are very soft and wrinkled, with linear or oblanceolate lobules; the leaves of Artemisia sieversiana are broadly ovate or broadly oval, with downy surfaces and pinnately divided blades. Flower differences: The flowers of Artemisia capillaris are capitula, ovoid or nearly spherical; the flowers of Artemisia sieversiana are capitula, nearly hemispherical or spherical in shape.
1. Leaf differences
The leaves of Artemisia capillaris are very soft and wrinkled; when flattened out, the blade is 1- to 3-pinnately divided, 1 to 3 cm long and about 1 cm wide, with linear, ovate or oblanceolate lobules and entire margins.
The lower and middle leaves of Artemisia sieversiana are broadly ovate or broadly oval, covered on both sides with soft short hairs, about 4 to 8 cm long and more than 3 to 6 cm wide. The blade is pinnately divided, with linear or linear-lanceolate lobules.
2. Flower differences
The flowers of Artemisia capillaris are capitula, ovoid or nearly spherical, numerous, 1.5 to 2 mm in diameter.
The flowers of Artemisia sieversiana are capitula, nearly hemispherical or spherical in shape, 4 to 6 mm in diameter.