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Mugwort should not be confused ( but can easily be) with motherwort, another herb that is somewhat similar in appearance and has its own folklore. Motherwort found growing by the backdoor of an old farmhouse. So perhaps having it in the garden wouldn't be such a bad thing. Also it was believed to provide protection from sunstroke, fatigue, wild animals, and evil spirits. Some fun facts and folklore provided by Ohio State University list mugwort as being used to flavor beer. Studies have also shown that dicamba and clopyralid can be effective on mugwort. Keep sprays off of nearby desirable plants as plant injury or death can result. Plan on repeat applications of a non-selective herbicide. Be sure to wear gloves as dermatitis has been reported by some. Repeated pulling or digging out can be helpful. Many infestations are due to spread of contaminated soil and plant materials.Īn illustration of Mugwort as found in "Common Weeds of the United States," USDA.Ĭontrolling mugwort can be challenging as it tolerates mowing, cultivation and many herbicides. It can be found in landscapes and nurseries. Mugwort is often found in waste areas and roadsides. Propagation is typically by its long, stout rhizomes, and seedlings are rarely found. So, if you are uncertain about identification, letting it bloom will certainly give you the answer. Instead flowers are inconspicuous and form in leafy spike-like clusters at the end of stems. Additionally, mugwort flowers are nothing like that of mum and won't add that pop of fall color to your garden. Mum leaves may be only somewhat hairy and will be the same color top and bottom. The major difference between the leaves of these two species is that mugwort leaves are white-woolly almost silvery on the underside.
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Generally, leaves on the mid to upper part of the plant are more deeply lobed and linear – pointier if you will. Leaves are lobed and alternately arranged on the stem. The leaf shape is similar to that of garden chrysanthemums (mums). The leaves are dark green and have a sage-like odor. It is a clump-forming perennial that spreads by rhizomes. Mugwort ( Artemisia vulgaris) is also known as chrysanthemum weed. Most likely what they received was mugwort. Recently, the Plant Clinic was contacted by a gardener who had ordered and purchased mums but instead received something mum-like with huge rhizomes. There are a few different types of mums which adds to the confusion. Without seeing the plant in person and without knowing the history of the site, it can be challenging to know for sure what the plant's proper identification is. Occasionally, I am asked by gardeners or homeowners for identification of a "mum that is perhaps not a mum." Clients say it looks similar to a mum but it is growing rampantly.