Mugwort forms dense mats and chokes out all other plants, leading to large stands of mugwort monocultures.
Here’s how to effectively prevent mugwort from taking over your garden beds or lawn.
Its invasive nature is aggravated by its allelopathic properties.
The Spruce / Evgeniya Vlasova
Mugwort releases chemicals into the soil that deter other plant species from growing.
What Does Mugwort Look Like?
Mugwort is a branched perennial that grows to a height of 2 to 5 feet.
Mugwort with sharp-edged leavesThe Spruce / Evgeniya Vlasova
The angular stems arepurplish-brown and hairless except for the flowering stems.
The branching root system of mugwort is extensive.
The dark green lobed leaves are alternate andresemble those of mumsbut the undersides of the leaves have white hairs.
Tall thin mugwort stems with small yellow flowersThe Spruce / Evgeniya Vlasova
When crushed, the leaves emit a spicy scent.
The flowers start as whitish-green and change to purplish as they age.
Getting rid of any mugwort patch requires the use of herbicide.
Thin tall stems with small green leaves and yellow flowersThe Spruce / Evgeniya Vlasova
As long as there are rhizomes left in the ground, it will continue to spread.
The best time to harvest the leaves is just before the tiny flower buds open.
If you miss that moment, youll get another chance in the fall before the first frost.
The Spruce / Evgeniya Vlasova
Cut off the top third of the plant and hang it up to dry.
Remove the spent flowers before they turn into seeds.
Although mugwort rarely produces viable seeds, if it does, it reseeds itself prolifically.
Mugwort is used as an herbal remedy to treat several health problems.
The compounds in mugwort can be toxic.
Invasive Plant Factsheet: Common Mugwort.
National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health.
