Perennial of the Asteraceae family, Artemisia schmidtiana is native to Japan, where it grows on the rocky slopes and well-drained sandy coastal areas of Hokkaido and northern Honshu. The 'Nana' selection is the most widespread dwarf and compact form in cultivation, very different in habit from the wild plant.
It forms a dense and regular cushion, strictly hemispherical, 10 to 15 cm in height with a spread that can exceed 30 cm. The foliage is remarkably fine: the leaves, deeply cut into silky strips, create an almost ethereal texture of bright silvery white, which touch confirms, as the surface is soft and silky. In full sun, the effect is almost like a cloud resting on the ground.
The tiny yellowish flower heads are borne on slender stems slightly raised above the cushion in late summer. In its natural habitat, its flowering extends from July to September. Many gardeners remove the flowering stems to maintain the neat cushion habit.
It requires well-drained, slightly poor soil in full sun exposure. It tolerates summer drought but fears persistent moisture in winter. Excellent in rock garden borders, on walls, or in association with plants with dark foliage.