mugwort foliage

Mugwort (Artemisia vulgaris). Photo: Betty Marose

Updated: February 27, 2023

Life cycle

Clump forming perennial 

Growth habit

Herbaceous invasive; leaves deeply dissected, similar to ragweed, but strongly scented like chrysanthemum; Height to 4 ft., but tolerates close mowing and cultivation. Very difficult to control. 

Reproduction

Spreads by extensive rhizomes; flowers inconspicuous in terminal leafy spikes 

Control

Never till it. Each root piece will generate a new plant. You can smother it (black plastic or layers of newspapers covered with mulch). Or you can exhaust the root system by continuous pulling or removal of the leaves (this is difficult.) You can also use a systemic non-selective herbicide that contains glyphosate that will travel down and kill the roots. Be careful to protect non-target plants from the herbicide.  A combination of these methods is the best approach. 

mugwort roots
Mugwort extensive roots/rhizomes. Photo: Betty Marose

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