Mugwort Artemisia vulgaris
Mugwort (Artemisia vulgaris) is an evergreen perennial herb in the Asteraceae family, native to Europe, temperate Asia and North Africa. It grows 1–2 m (3.3–6.6 ft) tall and 60 cm–1.2 m (24 in–3.9 ft) wide, wants full sun and low water, and is hardy to about -35 °C (-31 °F). Space plants about 80 cm (31 in) apart.
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Mugwort at a glance
| Type | Perennial herb, evergreen |
|---|---|
| Family | Asteraceae |
| Mature height | 1–2 m (3.3–6.6 ft) |
| Mature spread | 60 cm–1.2 m (24 in–3.9 ft) |
| Spacing | 80 cm (31 in) centre to centre |
| Sun | Full sun, at least 4 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Low; drought tolerance moderate, waterlogging tolerance none |
| Soil pH | 5.5–8 |
| Cold hardiness | About -35 °C (-31 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 3) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 34 °C (93 °F) |
| Flowering | from about July for 4–6 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones) |
| Wind tolerance | Low |
| Pollinator value | None |
| Edible | Yes: young leaves (sparingly; flavouring) |
| Native to | Europe, temperate Asia and North Africa |
| Common in gardens of | 🇩🇪 Germany, 🇬🇧 United Kingdom, 🇵🇱 Poland, 🇷🇺 Russia, 🇨🇳 China, 🇯🇵 Japan, 🇺🇸 United States, 🇫🇷 France |
| Invasive in | eastern USA and Canada: check local rules before planting |
Is Mugwort toxic?
- People: mildly toxic
- Cats: mildly toxic
- Dogs: mildly toxic
- Parts: leaves, pollen
Its wind-borne pollen is a major late-summer hay-fever allergen. Avoid in pregnancy; contains small amounts of thujone.
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with Mugwort
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like full sun and low water.
Questions about Mugwort
- How far apart should I plant Mugwort?
- About 80 cm (31 in) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 60 cm–1.2 m (24 in–3.9 ft).
- Does Mugwort need full sun?
- Full sun: at least 4 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Mugwort need?
- Low water. Drought tolerance is moderate and waterlogging tolerance none.
- How cold-hardy is Mugwort?
- It tolerates about -35 °C (-31 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 3.
- When does Mugwort flower?
- From about July for 4–6 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones).
- Is Mugwort poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is mildly toxic; for dogs mildly toxic; for people mildly toxic. Its wind-borne pollen is a major late-summer hay-fever allergen. Avoid in pregnancy; contains small amounts of thujone.
- What grows well with Mugwort?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Mugwort. Group it with plants that like the same sun (full sun) and water (low).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade B (B: extension service or peer-reviewed).
- Plants of the World Online (taxonomy, native range), Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
- CABI Invasive Species Compendium, CABI
- Plants For A Future database, PFAF
Notes and assumptions
- Tall, dark green leaves with silver-white undersides; spreads hard by rhizomes. Flavoured beer (gruit) before hops and stuffs goose in German cooking (Beifuß). Grow it in a sunk container or not at all near borders.
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
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