Mugwort
artemisia campestris
Also known as: ["Field Wormwood","Common Mugwort"]
Overview
A perennial herbaceous plant with silvery-gray foliage and aromatic leaves, often found in dry, open habitats.
Benefits & Perks
["drought tolerant","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)","fragrant flowers"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Asterales |
| Family: | Asteraceae |
| Genus: | Artemisia |
| Botanical Name: | Artemisia campestris |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Herbs & Weeds
- Suitable Location: outdoor garden bed in open, sunny area
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: moderate
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"–30–40°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"3–9"}
- Misting: rarely required, only if ambient humidity is very low
- Drainage: Fast-draining to prevent root rot.
- Soil Type: Well-draining, sandy loam with some organic matter.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: very low
- Toughness Level: high
- Pruning Frequency: Annually in early spring; light pruning can be done after flowering if needed.
- Pruning Intensity: Moderate; remove up to one-third of growth if plant becomes leggy.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Full sun (6–8 hours/day) with tolerance for partial shade in extreme heat.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate gradually to intense sun; protect from harsh afternoon sun in hot climates; ensure good air circulation to prevent scorch.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
easymoderate
Sunlight
full sun
Rotate plant for even light; use shade cloth in peak summer; avoid direct sun on young plants.
Watering
every 7–10 days during active growth, less frequently in winter
Water at the base of the plant to avoid foliage wetting; ensure soil dries between waterings; adjust frequency based on season and weather.
Soil
well-drained, sandy or loamy soil
pH: Slightly alkaline to neutral (pH 6.5–7.5).
Avoid heavy clay soils; ensure good aeration; test pH if issues arise.
Temperature
Prefers 60–75°F (15–24°C); tolerates cold down to 0°F (-18°C) but thrives in moderate temperatures.
Avoid sudden temperature shifts; protect from frost; ensure good air circulation in heat.
Fertilizing
every 4–6 weeks during spring and summer, none in winter
Fertilize only when actively growing; avoid over-fertilization which can harm Artemisia; flush soil occasionally to prevent salt buildup.
Propagation
Methods
Stem cuttings or division; stem cuttings are more common for home growers.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Take 4–6 inch cuttings.
- Remove lower leaves.
- Dip in hormone.
- Plant in medium.
- Keep moist and warm.
Best Time: Early spring or late summer when plant is actively growing.
Environment
Warm (70–75°F), high humidity (70–80%), and bright indirect light.
Medium
Well-draining mix of perlite and peat moss or cactus mix.
Hormone
Recommended to use rooting hormone for faster root development.
Timeline
Roots develop in 3–4 weeks; establish in new pot within 2–3 months.
Tools Needed
Pruners, rooting hormone, small pots, misting spray bottle.
Quick Tips
Use healthy, non-flowering stems; maintain humidity with a plastic dome; avoid direct sun during rooting.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Cut stems just above a leaf node or lateral branch; avoid shearing to maintain texture.
Pruning Plan
Shape plant to maintain form; encourage bushier growth; remove dead or damaged stems.
Tools
Sharp bypass pruners, clean scissors, gloves.
Checklist
Disinfect tools; prune dead/damaged stems; shape plant; clean up debris.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Early spring before active growth begins.
Pot Size
Increase pot size by 2–3 inches in diameter.
Method
Remove plant gently; trim roots if crowded; use fresh, well-draining soil; ensure pot has drainage holes.
Suggestions
Repot every 2–3 years or when roots fill container; beneficial for maintaining vigor.
Checklist
Check root bound status; prepare new pot; use fresh soil; water after repotting.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture; water deeply; ensure drainage; adjust for season.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water thoroughly until it drains from the bottom, ensuring root zone saturation. Water early in the morning to minimize evaporation and fungal risk.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water deeply but infrequently, allowing soil to dry out between waterings. Reduce watering in winter to once every 3–4 weeks.
Soil Improvement
Add perlite or coarse sand for drainage; incorporate compost for fertility; ensure soil is not compacted.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Wilting, leaf drop, or browning in extreme heat; stunted growth or dieback in prolonged cold.
Cold Stress
Slows growth, may cause root damage if soil freezes; foliage may turn purple or brown.
Solution: Mulch heavily in winter; protect from frost with row covers; ensure well-draining soil to prevent root rot.
Hot Stress
Leaf scorch, wilting, or cessation of growth due to excessive heat and dryness.
Solution: Provide afternoon shade; increase watering frequency; use reflective mulch to reduce soil temperature.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Check growth phase; dilute fertilizer; apply to soil; avoid foliage contact.
Fertilizing Method
Use a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer diluted to half strength every 4–6 weeks during growing season (spring–summer); avoid fertilizing in winter.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Slightly ToxicCats may suffer mild gastrointestinal issues if they ingest substantial amounts of Artemisia campestris. The plant's active compounds can cause irritation to the digestive system.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten in large quantities
Dogs
Slightly ToxicDogs may experience mild gastrointestinal upset if they consume significant amounts of Artemisia campestris. The plant's compounds can irritate the digestive tract, leading to discomfort.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten in large quantities
Humans
Slightly ToxicArtemisia campestris contains compounds that can cause mild gastrointestinal distress when ingested in significant amounts. The plant's essential oils and sesquiterpene lactones are responsible for its potential irritant effects on the digestive system.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten in large quantities
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Mugwort safe for human consumption?
A: While some parts are used in traditional medicine, its safety for general consumption is not well-documented.
Q: Does Mugwort attract wildlife?
A: Yes, it is known to attract bees, butterflies, and birds.
Q: How does Mugwort handle drought?
A: It is highly drought-tolerant and thrives in dry conditions.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Asteraceae |
| Care: | easy |
| Light: | full sun |
| Water: | every 7–10 days during activ |
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