Artemisia argyi aka Chinese Mugwort

Artemisia argyi has two common names: Chinese mugwort and Argyi wormwood. It is a perennial in Asteraceae, the daisy family. It comes from temperate Asia, from Russia’s Far East to China. Plants For A Future also lists Mongolia and Korea. It is not native to Britain or Ireland. In China, it grows by roads and on slopes. It also grows on disturbed ground and hills. Its range includes steppe and forest steppe. It grows from low ground to about 4,920 feet [1,500 metres].

This plant has a strong scent and grows fast. It spreads through creeping rhizomes, which are stems below ground. These stems help it form patches that spread. Its upright stems grow somewhat woody with age. Most plants stand about 2.6–5 feet [0.8–1.5 metres] tall. Unusually tall plants can reach about 8.2 feet [2.5 metres]. The sources give no measured width for full-grown plants. They give few leaf or flower facts for this species. Plants For A Future says flowers have both male and female organs. It says insects pollinate them but gives no bloom season.

Plants For A Future lists sand and loam as suitable soils. Soil must drain well and not stay wet. The plant accepts mildly acid soil and neutral soil. Mildly alkaline soil suits it too. It grows in sun or light shade. It suits dry or moist ground and can withstand drought. The database lists USDA hardiness zones 4–9. Yet its growing notes doubt that it is hardy in Britain. These mixed claims leave doubt about how it fares in local winters.

Garden uses include growing it in beds and for scent. Allow for its fast growth and spread when choosing space. Plants For A Future gives steps for spring seed sowing. Sow seeds on top of compost in a greenhouse. Do not let the compost dry as seedlings grow. Move each seedling to its own pot when large enough to handle. Plant them outdoors in early summer.

People gather wild plants for use as medicine. Reported uses of the leaves include moxibustion and treating several ailments. These reports do not prove that home treatments work or are safe. Plants For A Future lists no known edible uses. It also lists no reports of toxicity for this species. A lack of reports does not prove the plant is harmless. The supplied evidence names no pests or diseases for this species.