Abstract An analysis is presented of the essential oil of various populations of four similar taxa of the Artemisia L. genus, which colonize salty and subsalty lands [A. caerulescens L. subsp. caerulescens, A. caerulescens L. subsp. cretacea (Fiori) Brilli-Catt. et Gubell., A. densiflora Viv. and A. gallica Willd.]. Their variation was assessed, regarding the systematic similarities as well, which were interpreted in various ways. GC and GC/MS analyses of the oils revealed the constant presence of Î± and Î²-thujone and camphor; these results substantially confirm the most recent systematic interpretation, highlighting a notable similarity between the two A. caerulescens subspecies and between A. densiflora and A. gallica.