The Use of Sesquiterpene Lactones as Taxonomic Markers in the Shrubby Species of Artemisia (Section Tridentatae) in Montana

Abstract

The aerial parts of sagebrush contain many interesting natural products. The sesquiterpene lactones are a class of compounds that can be easily extracted from these plants and then analyzed by thin-layer chromatography. When used in combination with the morphological characteristics, the sesquiterpene lactones can provide useful taxonomic markers that aid in separating various sagebrush taxa.