Mugwort
Artemisia vulgaris Leaves, Photo Credit: Ohio State Weed Lab Archive, The Ohio State University, www.bugwood.org
Additional Images
Common Name: Mugwort
Scientific Name: Artemisia vulgaris
Origin: Europe
Description
Mugwort is a perennial herb that grows 2-5 ft. tall. The upper surface of the alternate leaves are dark green and smooth, while the undersides are silvery and hairy. Its leaves are variable in shape. Stems are angular with longitudinal ridges and range in color from green to purple. It flowers in late summer to early fall.
Habitat
Mugwort frequents disturbed sites such as pastures, forest edges, ditches, restoration areas, roadsides and steep slopes.
Threat
Mugwort outcompetes native plants for nutrients and sunlight. They spread by rhizomes and often create large colonies.
Management
Due to their substantial root systems and ability to re-sprout from root fragments, manual removal can be difficult. Solid patches may be covered using biotech fabric (or other tarp-like mats) for a few years, which may significantly weaken the plant, allowing for other removal methods to be more effective. Some herbicides have been found to be effective, however options are limited.
Regional Distribution
Widespread
WNY PRISM Priority
Tier 4 – Local Control
Invasive Species Priorities – Tier Chart
Pathways
Mugwort was introduced to North America by European settlers as a medicinal herb. Mugwort primarily spreads through its rhizome system.
Mugwort is a prohibited species in New York State – for more information on Prohibited and Regulated Species, visit http://www.dec.ny.gov/animals/99141.html.
