Plant guide

Mugwort.

Artemisia vulgaris

Pronounced ar-te-MIZ-ee-uh vul-GAIR-is

Also known as Artemisia, Common Wormwood, Eurasian wormwood, Felonherb, Green-ginger, Hierba De San Juan, Mugwort

Mugwort is a hardy perennial herb known for its aromatic, deeply lobed leaves with silvery undersides. It spreads through underground rhizomes and has a long history in traditional herbal practices. You will find it thrives in disturbed soil and open areas.

At a glance

Care level: Easy
Plant type: Perennial herb
Light: Full sun to partial shade
Indoor light: Direct sun
Water: Every 7 to 14 days
Mature size: 3 to 5 feet
Growth rate: Fast

Care

Give this plant plenty of space as it spreads quickly through its root system. Keep an eye out for powdery mildew if the air circulation is poor. It is very drought tolerant once established in your garden.

Watering: Water deeply when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch.
Feeding: Apply a balanced organic fertilizer once during the spring if growth seems sluggish.
Pruning: Cut the plant back to the ground in late autumn or early spring to encourage fresh growth.
Repotting: If growing in a container, move to a larger pot when the roots begin to circle the bottom.
Soil: Well draining sandy or loamy soil
Soil pH: 6.0 to 7.5

Safety

Pets: This plant is generally considered toxic to cats and dogs if ingested in large quantities.

How to identify it

Deeply lobed dark green leaves
Silvery white fuzzy leaf undersides
Small inconspicuous yellowish flower clusters
Strong aromatic scent when crushed

Science

Family: Asteraceae
Genus: Artemisia
Order: Asterales
Class: Magnoliopsida

Taxonomy resolved against GBIF.

Also in

Plants toxic to cats and dogs

Is your mugwort looking unwell?

This page is a general guide. Pocket Botanist diagnoses problems from a photo of your actual plant, works out watering for your light and conditions, and reminds you when care is due.

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This guide was generated with AI and checked against GBIF taxonomy. It is general information, not horticultural or veterinary advice. Read about how we build these guides.