Common Mugwort (Also known as Riverside Wormwood, Felon Herb, or Sailor's Tobacco)
Kingdom: Plantae, Division: Angiosperms, Class: Eudicots, Order: Asterales, Family: Asteraceae, Genus: Artemisia, Species: Artemisia vulgaris · Asteraceae (Daisy or Sunflower family) · Simple but deeply dissected (lobed), appearing pinnatifid; herbaceous perennial.
Species
Artemisia vulgaris
Leaf Type
Simple but deeply dissected (lobed), appearing pinnatifid; herbaceous perennial.
Family
Asteraceae (Daisy or Sunflower family)
Shape
Ovate to elliptical in overall outline, but deeply pinnately lobed or laciniate with 3–5 segments.
Size
Current specimen is approximately 1.5–2 inches for the leaf cluster; typical leaves range from 2–8 inches long.
Margin
Deeply lobed and occasionally serrate on the segment edges; margins are slightly revolute (rolled under).
Arrangement
Alternate along the stem, though often appearing in a basal clump during early growth.
Rarity
Very Common; often considered a weed in many parts of the world due to its vigorous growth.
Color & Pattern
Sage green to dark green on the upper surface; the lower surface is distinctly silvery-white due to dense tomentose hairs.
Venation Pattern
Pinnate venation, though the midrib is the most prominent feature in the narrow lobes.
Texture & Surface
The upper surface is smooth to slightly hairy; the underside is densely woolly (tomentose) and felt-like.
Description
An aromatic perennial herb that can reach 1–2 meters in height. It features reddish-woody stems and deeply lobed green leaves with striking silver undersides. It produces small, inconspicuous reddish to yellow disc flowers in terminal panicles during late summer.
Key Features
Distinguished from other herbs by the distinct silver/white woolly underside of the leaves and the strong sage-like aromatic scent when crushed.
Habitat
Disturbed soils, roadsides, nitrogen-rich waste ground, and riverbanks; thrives in full sun and well-drained soil.
Geographic Range
Native to temperate Europe, Asia, and Northern Africa; widely naturalized across North America.
Condition Notes
The specimen is dried and pressed (herbarium style). It shows typical desiccation but retains the characteristic lobed morphology and silver-green coloration. Overall health grade: Good (for a preserved specimen).
Interesting Facts
Mugwort has been called 'the mother of herbs.' In folklore, it was placed in shoes to prevent fatigue during long journeys and hung over doors to ward off evil spirits.
Medicinal & Uses
Used in Traditional Chinese Medicine for moxibustion. It is also used as a culinary bitter, a tea for digestive issues, and historically for flavoring beer before the use of hops.
Ecological Role
Provides cover for small mammals and is a host plant for several species of Lepidoptera (moths and butterflies). Its pollen is a significant aeroallergen in autumn.
Similar Species
Artemisia absinthium (Wormwood) which is silvery on both sides; Ambrosia artemisiifolia (Common Ragweed) which lacks the aromatic scent and silver leaf undersides.
Foraging Tips
Look for the silver flash on the underside of leaves when the wind blows. Forage in late spring for tender shoots or late summer for flowering tops, avoiding roadsides treated with chemicals.
Toxicity Warning
Contains thujone, which is toxic in very high doses or with prolonged use. Avoid during pregnancy as it is an emmenagogue (can stimulate menstruation). Moderately Toxic if misused.
Notes
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