Artemisia umbelliformis

This mugwort is also grey-tomentose in all parts due to a thick down. The basal leaves, united in rosettes, and the cauline leaves all have a petiole and lamina divided into 3-5 segments, which are, in turn, bifid or trifid. The flower heads, which are small and ovoid with only tubular flowers, form a linear and laxer raceme compared to A. genipi. The lower ones, which are more spaced out, are carried by long peduncles, whilst the upper ones are almost sessile, grouped in thick glomerules. It is also an aromatic plant and its inflorescences are an ingredient in the preparation of Genepì liqueur. Compared to the male Genepì, this species is easier to grow, especially because it is more resistant to root rot and has a lower content of tannins, substances responsible for the bitter taste. Our mountains are also home to the Artemisia glacialis, a very localized species that is endemic to the western Alps. It is not an aromatic plant and its leaves are very similar to those of the A. umbelliformis, but its flower heads are much larger, grouped together in apical glomerules and with deep yellow flowers.