Artemisia douglasiana

Douglas mugwort

Artemisia douglasiana

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Douglas mugwort is my favorite of the species of Artemisia that we grow.  It is native to sunny streambanks and partly shady riparian areas of several western states from Oregon to Mexico.  It has wide leaves like common mugwort, a short stature like western mugwort.  It won't quickly overpower its garden neighbors the way common mugwort will!   It's not as drought tolerant as western mugwort, but it can handle heavy clay soil more easily.

Mugwort belongs to the genus Artemisia, named after the Greek goddess Artemis - the goddess of the moon, the hunt, wild animals, and childbirth.  At the same time that mugwort is a cooling, anti-inflammatory, and bitter herb, it is also used to invoke Artemis and all she represents.  While mystical herbalists know that mugwort brings vivid dreams to those who drink the tea or keep a bundle under their pillow, modern scientists have also confirmed that it interrupts deep sleep in favor of REM sleep in which dreams are made.