Common Mugwort (Artemisia vulgaris): A Hardy Perennial with a Storied Past

Overview

Mugwort (Artemisia vulgaris), also called sailor's tobacco, felon herb, or wild wormwood, is a robust perennial herb native to Europe and Asia, now naturalized across North America. A member of the Asteraceae family, it grows 2-4 feet tall with deeply lobed, silvery-green leaves and inconspicuous yellowish flower spikes in late summer.

Botanical Details

• Family: Asteraceae (daisy family)
• Genus: Artemisia
• Species: vulgaris

Cultivation & Uses

Mugwort thrives in full sun to part shade and tolerates poor, dry soils. It spreads vigorously via rhizomes, so site it carefully or contain it. Historically used in herbal medicine, as a flavoring for beer (before hops), and in smudging ceremonies. The leaves have a pungent, sage-like aroma. Young shoots can be cooked as a vegetable; dried leaves repel moths. Note: some people develop contact dermatitis; pregnant women should avoid internal use.