Artemisia vulgaris (mugwort)

Artemisia vulgaris leaves
Basal leaves of Artemisia vulgaris in spring.

Leaf type: Pinnate, dissected
Phyllotaxis: Alternate
Colour: Green
Life cycle: Perennial

Leaf (upper side)

Artemisia vulgaris leaves in spring
Mugwort leaf in spring (March).

Growth habit & biology

Artemisia vulgaris is a perennial plant that can grow up to two meters tall. In Central Europe, it can flower from July to October.

The feathery leaves are light green in spring and dark green from early summer onwards. They can grow up to 10 centimeters long.

Artemisia vulgaris habit in spring
Growth habit of Artemisia vulgaris in spring (March).

Distribution & habitates

Mugwort is native to Eurasia and North Africa and has also been introduced to the American continents (source).

In addition to roadsides and embankments, Artemisia vulgaris can also be found in fields, meadows, pastures, on rubbish dumps, construction sites, or in ditches.

Botany

Botanically, mugwort is classified in the subfamily Asteroideae within the Asteraceae family. It is closely related to asters, chrysanthemums, and chamomile.

Other common names are common mugwort and wormwood.