Mugwort

August 11, 2015

Artemisia vulgaris L.

Life cycle

Clump-forming, rhizomatous perennial.

mugwort plant
Young mugwort plant.

Leaves

Alternate, deeply lobed and divided leaves are dark green above and silvery white below. Leaves emit a strong, sage-like odor.

mugwort leaves
Upper and lower leaf surfaces of mugwort.

Stems

Erect, clump-forming, smooth to slightly hairy stems have lengthwise ridges and become semi-woody with age. They are up to 6 feet tall.

Flowers and fruit

Inconspicuous flowers are produced in elongated, spike-like clusters on the upper stems. The seed is enclosed in a single-seeded, brown, oblong fruit.

mugwort flower
Mugwort flowering stem.

Reproduction

Persistent, prolific rhizomes and, rarely, seeds.

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