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Norwegian Mugwort

Artemisia norvegica

Please keep in mind that it is illegal to uproot a plant without the landowner's consent and care should be taken at all times not to damage wild plants. Wild plants should never be picked for pleasure and some plants are protected by law.
For more information please download the BSBI Code of Conduct PDF document.

Contents

Plant Profile

Flowering Months:
JAN  FEB  MAR  APR  MAY  JUN  JUL  AUG  SEP  OCT  NOV  DEC
Order:
Asterales
Family:
Asteraceae (Daisy)
Also in this family:
Alpine Blue Sow-thistle, Alpine Cotula, Alpine Fleabane, Alpine Saw-wort, Annual Ragweed, Annual Sunflower, Argentine Fleabane, Autumn Hawkbit, Autumn Oxeye, Beaked Hawksbeard, Beggarticks, Bilbao Fleabane, Black Knapweed, Black-eyed Susan, Blanketflower, Blue Fleabane, Blue Globe-thistle, Bristly Oxtongue, Broad-leaved Cudweed, Broad-leaved Ragwort, Brown Knapweed, Butterbur, Buttonweed, Cabbage Thistle, Canadian Fleabane, Canadian Goldenrod, Carline Thistle, Chalk Knapweed, Chamois Ragwort, Changing Michaelmas Daisy, Chicory, Chinese Mugwort, Chinese Ragwort, Coltsfoot, Common Blue Sow-thistle, Common Cat's-ear, Common Cudweed, Common Daisy, Common Dandelion, Common Fleabane, Common Goldenrod, Common Groundsel, Common Michaelmas Daisy, Common Mugwort, Common Ragwort, Common Wormwood, Coneflower, Confused Michaelmas Daisy, Corn Chamomile, Corn Marigold, Cornflower, Cotton Thistle, Cottonweed, Creeping Thistle, Daisy Bush, Dwarf Cudweed, Dwarf Thistle, Early Goldenrod, Eastern Groundsel, Eastern Leopardsbane, Elecampane, English Hawkweed, Fen Ragwort, Feverfew, Field Fleawort, Field Wormwood, Fox and Cubs, French Tarragon, Gallant Soldier, Garden Lettuce, Giant Butterbur, Glabrous-headed Hawkweed, Glandular Globe-thistle, Glaucous Michaelmas Daisy, Globe Artichoke, Globe-thistle, Goat's Beard, Golden Ragwort, Golden Samphire, Goldilocks Aster, Grass-leaved Goldenrod, Great Lettuce, Greater Burdock, Greater Knapweed, Grey-headed Hawkweed, Guernsey Fleabane, Hairless Blue Sow-thistle, Hairless Leptinella, Hairy Michaelmas Daisy, Harpur Crewe's Leopardsbane, Hawkweed Oxtongue, Heath Cudweed, Heath Groundsel, Hemp Agrimony, Highland Cudweed, Hoary Mugwort, Hoary Ragwort, Hybrid Knapweed, Intermediate Burdock, Irish Fleabane, Jersey Cudweed, Jerusalem Artichoke, Lance-leaved Hawkweed, Lavender-cotton, Leafless Hawksbeard, Least Lettuce, Leopardplant, Leopardsbane, Leptinella, Lesser Burdock, Lesser Hawkbit, Lesser Sunflower, London Bur-marigold, Magellan Ragwort, Marsh Cudweed, Marsh Hawksbeard, Marsh Ragwort, Marsh Sow-thistle, Marsh Thistle, Meadow Thistle, Melancholy Thistle, Mexican Fleabane, Milk Thistle, Mountain Everlasting, Mouse-ear Hawkweed, Musk Thistle, Narrow-leaved Cudweed, Narrow-leaved Hawkweed, Narrow-leaved Michaelmas Daisy, Narrow-leaved Ragwort, New England Hawkweed, New Zealand Holly, Nipplewort, Nodding Bur-marigold, Northern Hawksbeard, Oxeye Daisy, Oxford Ragwort, Pearly Everlasting, Perennial Cornflower, Perennial Ragweed, Perennial Sow-thistle, Perennial Sunflower, Pineapple Mayweed, Plantain-leaved Leopardsbane, Ploughman's Spikenard, Plymouth Thistle, Pontic Blue Sow-thistle, Pot Marigold, Prickly Lettuce, Prickly Sow-thistle, Purple Coltsfoot, Rayed Tansy, Red Star Thistle, Red-seeded Dandelion, Red-tipped Cudweed, Robin's Plantain, Roman Chamomile, Rough Cocklebur, Rough Hawkbit, Rough Hawksbeard, Russian Lettuce, Safflower, Salsify, Saw-wort, Scented Mayweed, Scentless Mayweed, Sea Aster, Sea Mayweed, Sea Wormwood, Seaside Daisy, Shaggy Mouse-ear Hawkweed, Shaggy Soldier, Shasta Daisy, Shetland Mouse-ear Hawkweed, Shrub Ragwort, Sicilian Chamomile, Silver Ragwort, Slender Mugwort, Slender Thistle, Small Cudweed, Small Fleabane, Smooth Cat's-ear, Smooth Hawksbeard, Smooth Sow-thistle, Sneezeweed, Sneezewort, Spear Thistle, Spotted Cat's-ear, Spotted Hawkweed, Sticky Groundsel, Stinking Chamomile, Stinking Hawksbeard, Tall Fleabane, Tall Mouse-ear Hawkweed, Tansy, Thin-leaved Sunflower, Treasureflower, Trifid Bur-marigold, Tuberous Thistle, Tyneside Leopardplant, Viper's Grass, Wall Lettuce, Welsh Groundsel, Welted Thistle, White African Daisy, White Butterbur, White Buttons, Willdenow's Leopardsbane, Winter Heliotrope, Wood Burdock, Wood Ragwort, Woody Fleabane, Woolly Thistle, Yarrow, Yellow Chamomile, Yellow Fox and Cubs, Yellow Oxeye, Yellow Star Thistle, Yellow Thistle, York Groundsel
Type:
Flower
Life Cycle:
Perennial
Maximum Size:
60 centimetres tall
Habitats:
Heathland, mountains.

Flower:
֍
Yellow, no petals
 
The flowers are held in a spike. The flowers in the spike are yellow, nodding and button-like. Each flower measures about 1cm in diameter. The flowers appear either solitary or in pairs.
Fruit:
The fruit is the seed (achene). It is smooth on the surface and measures about 2 to 2.5mm across. The seeds are wind dispersed.
Leaves:
A low growing, downy perennial with deeply cut basal leaves.
Aroma:
Norwegian Mugwort is aromatic.
Other Names:
Alpine Sagewort, Arctic Wormwood, Boreal Sagewort, Mountain Sagewort, Norway Wormwood, Spruce Wormwood.
Frequency (UK):
Rarely seen  

Other Information

Summary

Artemisia norvegica, also known as Norway wormwood or Arctic wormwood, is a perennial herb that is native to the Arctic and subarctic regions of Europe, Asia and North America. It is a member of the Asteraceae family and can grow up to 2 feet tall. It has small, yellow-green flowers that bloom in the late summer and fall. The leaves are green and feathery, and the plant has a woody stem. A. norvegica is considered a medicinal herb, and the leaves and stem of the plant are used to make a tea that is used to treat various ailments including digestive issues, pain, and fever. It's also used as a natural insect repellent and as an ingredient in some traditional cuisines.

Blog

Norwegian Mugwort, also known as Artemisia norvegica, is a flowering plant that is native to Norway, Sweden, Finland, and parts of Russia. This herbaceous perennial plant belongs to the Asteraceae family and is closely related to other species of mugwort, such as Artemisia vulgaris.

Artemisia norvegica is a hardy plant that grows well in a variety of soils, including rocky and dry areas. It typically grows to a height of 30 to 60 cm and produces clusters of small, yellowish-green flowers that bloom in late summer and early fall. The leaves of Norwegian Mugwort are narrow and finely divided, with a silver-gray color that gives the plant an attractive, ornamental appearance.

Historically, Artemisia norvegica has been used for medicinal purposes, particularly in traditional Scandinavian medicine. The plant was commonly used to treat digestive disorders, menstrual cramps, and various infections. In Norway, the plant was also used to make a type of bitter beer called "bjørnøl", which was believed to have therapeutic properties.

In modern times, research has shown that Norwegian Mugwort contains a number of biologically active compounds, including sesquiterpene lactones, flavonoids, and essential oils. These compounds have been found to possess a range of pharmacological properties, including anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, and anti-tumor effects. Norwegian Mugwort has also been shown to have a positive effect on the immune system, helping to boost its function and prevent infections.

Norwegian Mugwort is a popular herb among herbalists and natural health practitioners due to its numerous health benefits. It can be consumed in a variety of forms, including teas, tinctures, and capsules. It is important to note that while Norwegian Mugwort is generally considered safe for most people, it may interact with certain medications or cause allergic reactions in some individuals. As with any herbal supplement, it is recommended to consult with a qualified healthcare practitioner before using Norwegian Mugwort.

Norwegian Mugwort is also a popular plant in gardening due to its ornamental qualities. Its silver-gray foliage and yellowish-green flowers make it a beautiful addition to any garden or landscape. It is also a great choice for xeriscaping or low-maintenance gardens, as it is drought-tolerant and can thrive in rocky or dry soils.

In addition to its medicinal and ornamental uses, Norwegian Mugwort also has cultural and symbolic significance. In Norse mythology, the plant was associated with the god Thor and was believed to have protective and healing properties. It was also used in ancient Scandinavian cultures as a talisman to ward off evil spirits and bring good luck.

Norwegian Mugwort is also known for its culinary uses. Its bitter flavor is often used to flavor various dishes, especially in Scandinavian cuisine. The plant can be used to make a traditional Scandinavian herb mixture called "besk", which is a bitter liquor made by steeping herbs and spices in alcohol. The mixture is often used as an after-dinner digestif and is believed to have medicinal properties.

In addition to its culinary uses, Norwegian Mugwort has also been studied for its potential insecticidal properties. The plant contains natural compounds that have been found to be effective against a range of insects, including mosquitoes, flies, and beetles. This makes it a potential natural alternative to chemical insecticides, which can be harmful to the environment and human health.

Overall, Norwegian Mugwort is a fascinating plant with a wide range of uses and benefits. Whether used for its medicinal properties, ornamental qualities, culinary uses, or potential insecticidal properties, it is a valuable and versatile addition to any garden or natural health regimen. As always, it is important to use caution and consult with a qualified healthcare practitioner or gardening expert before using or growing any new plant.

Facts about Norwegian Mugwort

Facts about Norwegian Mugwort (Artemisia norvegica):

  • It is a herbaceous perennial plant that belongs to the Asteraceae family.
  • It is native to Norway, Sweden, Finland, and parts of Russia.
  • It has been traditionally used for medicinal purposes, particularly in traditional Scandinavian medicine.
  • The plant contains biologically active compounds such as sesquiterpene lactones, flavonoids, and essential oils, which have been found to possess a range of pharmacological properties.
  • Norwegian Mugwort is commonly used in teas, tinctures, and capsules to support immune function, fight infections, and promote overall health and well-being.
  • The plant is also valued for its ornamental qualities, culinary uses, and potential insecticidal properties.
  • The plant has cultural and symbolic significance in Norse mythology and ancient Scandinavian cultures.

Norwegian Mugwort, or Artemisia norvegica, is a versatile and beneficial plant that has been traditionally used for medicinal purposes, particularly in traditional Scandinavian medicine. It contains biologically active compounds that have been found to possess a range of pharmacological properties. The plant is commonly used in teas, tinctures, and capsules to support immune function, fight infections, and promote overall health and well-being. It is also valued for its ornamental qualities, culinary uses, and potential insecticidal properties. The plant has cultural and symbolic significance in Norse mythology and ancient Scandinavian cultures. As with any herbal supplement, it is recommended to consult with a qualified healthcare practitioner before using Norwegian Mugwort.


Distribution Map

Reproduced by kind permission of the BSBI.

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