Mugwort
Artemisia vulgaris
A tall, rhizomatous herbaceous perennial known for its deeply pinnatifid, dark green leaves with silvery-white woolly undersides and reddish-purple stems.
- Light
- Full sun to partial shade (at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day).
- Water
- Low watering needs; drought-tolerant. Prefers to dry out between waterings and can suffer in waterlogged conditions.
- Growth
- Herbaceous perennial reaching 3 to 6 feet in height and 2 to 3 feet in spread. Spreads aggressively via underground rhizomes.
Care instructions
This plant is highly adaptable and requires very little care. It thrives in full sun and well-drained soil. Once established, it is extremely drought-tolerant and rarely needs supplemental fertilizer.
Growing details
Sunlight
Full sun to partial shade (at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day).
Watering
Low watering needs; drought-tolerant. Prefers to dry out between waterings and can suffer in waterlogged conditions.
Soil
Grows in a wide range of soil types, including poor, sandy, or rocky soils, but requires good drainage. Prefers a neutral to slightly alkaline pH.
Hardiness zone
USDA zones 3 through 9.
Growth habit
Herbaceous perennial reaching 3 to 6 feet in height and 2 to 3 feet in spread. Spreads aggressively via underground rhizomes.
Bloom season
Mid-summer to early autumn. Produces inconspicuous, small, yellowish or reddish-brown flower heads in dense panicles.
Propagation
Most commonly propagated by root division in spring or autumn, or by seed, though seeds require light to germinate.
Common pests & issues
Few pests or diseases affect it due to its aromatic oils; however, it can become highly invasive in garden settings if not contained.
Similar species
Artemisia absinthium (Wormwood) has silvery-grey fuzz on both sides of the leaf, whereas Mugwort is green on top and white underneath. Ambrosia artemisiifolia (Common Ragweed) has similar leaf shapes but lacks the silver underside.