Mugwort?

[Jennie MerkleyStudent]

A new ‘weed’ was discovered in my backyard a couple of summers ago. A FB friend identified it as mugwort, but I’m not sure it is the same plant that I see in images online. I’ve downloaded a few different apps, but haven’t been sure that they were correct, either. I just installed both Picture This and iNaturalist and hope to finally know what this plant is since it migrated to my front yard last year. Mugwort is said to have some medicinal properties, but if it’s not a beneficial plant, I need to get rid of it before the birds, chickens, cats, squirrels, and wind spread it even further. Besides, this plant has burs snuggled between the leaf and stem.

[EllieStudent]

Hi Jennie,

Have you looked up pictures of burdock?  Mugwort typically gets small seeds on its long stems.  I have it growing in my garden and it doesn’t have burs on it.

 

[Mary HowardStudent]

I think I have a Mugwort or Sweet Wormwood according to Google picture. The leaves smell amazing! Like a robust perfume. Does anyone know if Sweet Wormwood is super fragrant? Its about 6 feet tall. It has not flowered yet. I have not seen any burs on it. I do need to do further identification on it.

[Shelby TuckerStudent]

I know there are a few different variations, depending on where you are located, but the mugwort we have here in Northern California is one of my favorite plants. It has a very distinct smell that yells “make me into an essential oil!” (haven’t tried it yet). Once it bolts it will have small seeds close to main stem. Works great as a mosquito deterrent if you scrunch it up and rub it on the skin. I also use it as an astringent for poison oak treatment to draw poisons out. Some say that it also is a great sleep aid tea but creates lucid dreaming. I have not used the last application since my dreams are already crazy enough. Again this is Mugwort in California so your variation might have different constituents.

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