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Artemisia douglasiana (Douglas Mugwort)

Douglas Mugwort, Douglas' Sagewort, Artemisia campestris var. douglasiana, Artemisia vulgaris ssp. heterophylla, Artemisia vulgaris var. douglasiana

Artemisia douglasiana, Douglas Mugwort, Douglas' Sagewort, California Native Plants, California Native Perrenials

Fast-growing, Artemisia douglasiana (Douglas Mugwort) is an aromatic perennial or sub-shrub forming a bushy clump of erect stems covered with narrowly elliptic leaves, 3-6 in. long (7-15 cm), with 3-5 lateral lobes. Green on the upper surface, the foliage is silvery-white underneath and soft and aromatic to the touch. Attractive to bees, flies and butterflies, erect plumes of tiny, yellow-gray flowers appear in summer, but they have little ornamental value. Native to the western United States and into Baja California, Douglas Mugwort is found primarily in drainages and riparian corridors. It also occurs naturally around freshwater marshes and in moist meadows. Spreading by underground rhizomes, particularly in damp areas, Douglas Mugwort is useful in restoration projects and for erosion control. It is also a reliable groundcover for shady spots. Used as a ceremonial plant in many Native American cultures, Douglas Mugwort is highly esteemed by many California tribes for its many medicinal applications.

  • Grows up to 3-5 ft. tall (90-150 cm) and 3-4 ft. wide (90-120 cm). This plant may become weedy or invasive in some regions or habitats if not properly managed.
  • Prefers sun and moist soils, but tolerates shady areas and dry soils. This plant is tolerant of a range of soil types, as long as excellent soil drainage is provided.
  • Generally pest and disease free. Deer resistant.
  • Cut back to base of plant in autumn.
  • Use soil barriers to help contain the rhizomatous spread.
  • Propagated from rhizome cuttings.
  • Native to the Western United States in California and areas of Idaho, Nevada, Oregon, and Washington; and in northwestern Baja California, Mexico.

Requirements

Hardiness 6 - 10
Climate Zones 1, 1A, 1B, 2, 2A, 2B, 3, 3A, 3B, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24
Plant Type Perennials, Shrubs
Plant Family Compositae
Genus Artemisia
Common names Wormwood, Mugwort
Exposure Full Sun, Partial Sun, Shade
Season of Interest Spring (Early, Mid, Late)
Summer (Early, Mid, Late)
Height 3' - 5'
(90cm - 150cm)
Spread 3' - 4'
(90cm - 120cm)
Spacing 36" - 48"
(90cm - 120cm)
Maintenance Average
Water Needs Low, Average
Soil Type Chalk, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained, Well-Drained
Characteristics Fragrant, Showy
Native Plants United States, Southwest, California, Pacific Northwest, Idaho, Washington, Oregon, Nevada
Tolerance Deer
Attracts Bees, Birds, Butterflies
Garden Uses Ground Covers
Garden Styles Prairie and Meadow, Informal and Cottage
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Alternative Plants to Consider

Artemisia absinthium (Wormwood)
Artemisia pycnocephala (Sand Hill Sage)
Artemisia frigida (Prairie Sagebrush)
Artemisia filifolia (Sand Sagebrush)
Artemisia tridentata (Big Sagebrush)
Artemisia ludoviciana ‘Valerie Finnis’ (White Sage)

Recommended Companion Plants

Amorpha fruticosa (Indigo Bush)
Baccharis salicifolia (Mule Fat)
Rosa californica (California Wild Rose)
Salvia spathacea (Hummingbird Sage)

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While every effort has been made to describe these plants accurately, please keep in mind that height, bloom time, and color may differ in various climates. The description of these plants has been written based on numerous outside resources.
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Requirements

Hardiness 6 - 10
Climate Zones 1, 1A, 1B, 2, 2A, 2B, 3, 3A, 3B, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24
Plant Type Perennials, Shrubs
Plant Family Compositae
Genus Artemisia
Common names Wormwood, Mugwort
Exposure Full Sun, Partial Sun, Shade
Season of Interest Spring (Early, Mid, Late)
Summer (Early, Mid, Late)
Height 3' - 5'
(90cm - 150cm)
Spread 3' - 4'
(90cm - 120cm)
Spacing 36" - 48"
(90cm - 120cm)
Maintenance Average
Water Needs Low, Average
Soil Type Chalk, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained, Well-Drained
Characteristics Fragrant, Showy
Native Plants United States, Southwest, California, Pacific Northwest, Idaho, Washington, Oregon, Nevada
Tolerance Deer
Attracts Bees, Birds, Butterflies
Garden Uses Ground Covers
Garden Styles Prairie and Meadow, Informal and Cottage
How Many Plants
Do I Need?
Explore Great Plant Combination Ideas
Artemisia
Guides with
Artemisia
Not sure which Artemisia to pick?
Compare Now

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