Common Mugwort

(Artemisia vulgaris)

Common Mugwort (Artemisia vulgaris)

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Estimated Native Range
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Summary

Artemisia vulgaris, commonly known as Common Mugwort, is a semi-deciduous perennial herb native to a variety of habitats including open woodlands, forest edges, grasslands, and scrub areas across Europe and Asia. It typically grows to a height of 1–2 meters, occasionally reaching 2.5 meters, and is characterized by an extensive rhizome system that allows it to spread vegetatively. The plant’s leaves are 5–20 cm long, dark green, pinnate, and sessile, with a distinctive dense, white, tomentose hairiness on the underside. The erect stems are grooved and may exhibit a red-purplish tinge. Common Mugwort produces small florets, about 5 mm long, that are radially symmetrical with yellow or dark red petals. The narrow and numerous capitula form racemose panicles, and the plant flowers from midsummer to early autumn. The flowers are not particularly showy, but the plant is valued for its aromatic leaves and is sometimes used in culinary and medicinal applications.

Common Mugwort is appreciated for its hardiness and adaptability, making it a suitable choice for naturalistic plantings and restoration projects. It thrives in full sun but can tolerate part shade, and it is not particular about soil type, though it prefers well-drained conditions. While it can be an attractive addition to herb gardens, its invasive potential should be considered before planting. In regions where it is not invasive, it can be used for erosion control due to its robust root system. Gardeners should be aware that Common Mugwort can spread aggressively and may require management to keep it in check.CC BY-SA 4.0

Plant Description

  • Plant Type: Subshrub, Herb
  • Height: 2-4 feet
  • Width: 3-6 feet
  • Growth Rate: Rapid
  • Flower Color: Brown, Yellow, Green
  • Flowering Season: Summer
  • Leaf Retention: Semi-Deciduous

Growth Requirements

  • Sun: Full Sun, Part Shade
  • Water: Medium
  • Drainage: Slow, Medium, Fast

Common Uses

Bank Stabilization, Bee Garden, Bird Garden, Border Plant, Butterfly Garden, Deer Resistant, Drought Tolerant, Edible*Disclaimer: Easyscape's listed plant edibility is for informational use. Always verify the safety and proper identification of any plant before consumption., Fragrant, Potted Plant, Rabbit Resistant

Natural Habitat

native to a variety of habitats including open woodlands, forest edges, grasslands, and scrub areas across Europe and Asia

Other Names

Common Names: Riverside Wormwood, Felon Herb, Chrysanthemum Weed, Wild Wormwood, Old Uncle Henry, Sailor’s Tobacco, Naughty Man, Old Man, St. John’s Plant, Mother Of Herbs

Scientific Names: , Artemisia vulgaris, Artemisia coarctata, Artemisia indica var. heyneana, Artemisia vulgaris var. typica, Artemisia cannabifolia var. nigrescens, Artemisia opulenta f. opulenta, Artemisia parvifolia, Artemisia vulgaris subsp. typica, Artemisia vulgaris var. cinerascens

GBIF Accepted Name: Artemisia vulgaris L.