Mugwort (Artemisia vulgaris) is a robust perennial herb used for culinary, medicinal, and ornamental applications. This hardy plant is recognized for its deeply lobed, often silvery-backed leaves and its resilience, thriving in varied conditions. Once established, mugwort is known for its spreading nature. This guide clarifies the different species available for purchase and directs readers to reliable sources for acquiring a live plant.
Essential Mugwort Varieties for Purchase
Before purchasing a mugwort plant, confirm the specific species you intend to acquire, as the Artemisia genus is large and contains plants with different chemical profiles and uses. The most commonly sought variety for herbal purposes is Artemisia vulgaris, or Common Mugwort, which is traditionally used as a bitter digestive aid and for flavoring fatty meats.
Another species is Artemisia absinthium, or Wormwood, which should not be confused with common mugwort. Wormwood has heavily silvered foliage and is known for its use in the spirit absinthe, containing higher levels of thujone. For aesthetic purposes, varieties like Artemisia ludoviciana (Western Mugwort) or Artemisia schmidtiana (Silver Mound) are sold as ornamentals due to their silvery-white foliage and controlled growth habit.
Retail Channels for Acquiring Mugwort
The options for finding a live mugwort plant or cutting generally fall into three main categories. Local garden centers and nurseries offer the benefit of immediate inspection, allowing you to check the plant for pests and diseases before purchase. However, their selection is often limited to the most common varieties, and sometimes plants are misidentified or mislabeled, especially between different Artemisia species.
Specialized herb farms and botanical nurseries provide a more reliable source, particularly if you are seeking a specific or rare variety of Artemisia. These suppliers are typically more knowledgeable about the plant’s identification and growth habits. The disadvantage is that these farms are often regionally specific, which may require traveling or relying on them for online ordering.
Online plant retailers and mail-order nurseries offer the greatest selection and convenience. When ordering live plants online, you should carefully review the retailer’s shipping and guarantee policies, as the plant may suffer stress during transit. Always look for vendors who specifically guarantee species identification and provide clear photos of the plant’s health and root system before shipping. Upon arrival, immediately check the roots for signs of being pot-bound and inspect the foliage for any indication of common pests, such as aphids or spider mites.
Post-Purchase Care and Safety Considerations
Mugwort is an adaptable plant that thrives in full sun, requiring at least six to eight hours of direct sunlight daily. It prefers well-draining soil and tolerates poor conditions, but it does not fare well in wet environments, which can lead to root rot. Once established, the plant is relatively drought-tolerant and requires minimal watering.
A significant consideration for planting mugwort is its aggressive growth habit, driven by an extensive system of underground runners called rhizomes. Common mugwort (A. vulgaris) is classified as invasive in many regions because these rhizomes can spread quickly, displacing native flora and choking out other garden plants. To prevent this disruption, it is recommended to plant mugwort in a rigid container or utilize a below-ground barrier system to contain the root spread.
Beyond horticultural management, there are several safety precautions regarding the use of mugwort. Mugwort is closely related to ragweed, and individuals with ragweed or birch pollen allergies should use caution due to potential allergic cross-reactions. Mugwort should be avoided entirely during pregnancy, as compounds like thujone can stimulate uterine contractions, which may lead to miscarriage.