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common mugwort

Artemisia vulgaris

Common mugwort is a leafy plant that grows tall and has soft, green leaves. It can be found in many places and is known for its strong smell, especially when you touch it!

Habitat: Grasslands

Appearance

The common mugwort is a tall, erect plant with reddish-brown stems. It has deeply lobed leaves that are dark green above and distinctly silvery-white and fuzzy underneath. Its small, inconspicuous flowers are greenish-yellow or reddish-brown.

KingdomPlantaePhylumTracheophytaClassMagnoliopsidaOrderAsteralesFamilyAsteraceaeGenusArtemisia
common mugwort
aromatic trait badgebiennial trait badgefragrant_flower trait badgemedicinal trait badge
common mugwort

Category

Plants

Rarity

Common

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Snaps

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Interesting facts

Ancient Romans planted mugwort by roadsides to soothe tired feet!

Its scientific name 'Artemisia' honors Artemis, the Greek goddess of the hunt!

Mugwort can grow over 6 feet tall, towering above many plants!

The fuzzy white undersides of its leaves feel super soft!

Special abilities

Ability

Rhizome Power

Common mugwort has spreading underground stems (rhizomes) that help it quickly colonize and spread across open ground.

Ability

Tough Terrain Master

Common mugwort can grow in very poor, disturbed soils, which helps it thrive where other plants struggle.

Ability

Aromatic Defense

Common mugwort has chemical compounds in its leaves that deter many herbivores from eating it.

Measurements & details

Height
60-180 cm
Spread
50-100 cm
Flower Size
0.2-0.5 cm
Bloom Season
Late summer to early fall
Edible
Yes
Toxicity
Mild
Lifecycle
Perennial
Pollination Method
Wind

Ecological connections

eats

Mugwort Leaf Beetle

Chrysolina artemisiae

Beetle adults and larvae feed on its leaves.

eats

Wormwood Pug

Eupithecia absinthiata

This moth's caterpillars munch on mugwort foliage.

parasitizes

Field Dodder

Cuscuta campestris

This vine-like plant attaches to steal mugwort's nutrients.

eats

Human

Homo sapiens

Used in traditional foods and herbal medicine.

Traits

Also known as

No aliases listed yet.

Collections

Safety

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Always ask an adult before touching or picking plants.

Frequently Asked Questions

How tall is common mugwort?

60-180 cm

How wide does common mugwort spread?

50-100 cm

How big are the flowers on common mugwort?

0.2-0.5 cm

When does common mugwort bloom?

Late summer to early fall

Is common mugwort edible?

Yes

Is common mugwort toxic?

Mild

What is common mugwort's lifecycle?

Perennial

How is common mugwort pollinated?

Wind

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