Mugwort (Artemisia vulgaris) is a hardy, upright perennial herb with deeply lobed, dark green leaves that are silvery-white underneath and aromatic when crushed. Its tall stems are often reddish and topped with small, inconspicuous flower clusters that bloom in late summer. Also known as Common Mugwort or Wild Wormwood, this plant is native to Europe and Asia but is now widespread as an invasive weed across North America and other temperate regions.

Found along roadsides, vacant lots, and disturbed soils, Mugwort is a colonizing shrubby weed that spreads vigorously through underground rhizomes and wind-dispersed seeds. Its rapid expansion and dense growth often crowd out native species, making it ecologically disruptive. Despite its invasive nature, Mugwort has a long cultural history—used in traditional medicine, rituals, and flavoring. Its resilience, aromatic oils, and aggressive spread make it both a persistent presence in weedy landscapes and a symbol of wild, untamed vegetation.