Artemisia lactiflora

Artemisia lactiflora is a species of mugwort; it is an aromatic perennial with highly divided foliage. It grows to a considerable size and has a spectacular light and airy effect. Flowering occurs in late summer, with long, feathery panicles of small chalk-white flowers.

Artemisia lactiflora is native to China and belongs to the large Asteraceae family. It is a tall perennial, reaching a height of 150 cm (59in) with a width of 60 cm (24in). It has a very bushy habit. Mugwort is appreciated in gardens for its decorative finely cut foliage. The highly divided, medium green leaves provide a vaporous and light aspect to summer scenes. It blooms from August to October, producing long, slightly arched panicles of small chalky flowers.

Mugwort prefers full sun exposure but will also thrive in partial shade. It requires a rather neutral, moist soil. It requires little care and is highly hardy. It adds a feathery aspect to well-structured flower beds. It pairs well with Heleniums.

Mugworts are plants with medicinal properties that are used in both Western and Chinese medicine. In Chinese medicine, they are rolled and compressed to heat specific acupuncture points. In Western culture, they are often associated with the Green Fairy or Absinthe, an alcoholic drink that was once banned but has since regained popularity.