Mugwort vs Wormwood: Is There a Difference?

Written by August Croft
Updated: September 22, 2023
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Often confused for one another, are there any true differences between mugwort vs wormwood? Both members of the daisy family and even the same genus, mugwort and wormwood, and indeed two separate species of plants. But what separates these two ancient plants from one another, and how can you learn how to tell them apart?

In this article, we will go over everything you need to know about wormwood and mugwort so that you can fully understand them as individuals. We will address what they look like as well as what they are typically used for. Finally, we’ll even give you some tips as to how these plants grow best in case you want to plant them in your own garden. Let’s get started!

Comparing Mugwort vs Wormwood

Mugwort vs Wormwood
Mugwort is used in a limited culinary capacity, while wormwood is key for absinthe production.
MugwortWormwood
Plant ClassificationArtemisia vulgarisArtemisia absinthium
DescriptionReaches up to 6 feet tall on ridge-like stems found in green or purplish red shades. Leaves are uniquely shaped and pointed, growing opposite each other, with small hairs on the underside and deep green in color. Flowers grow along many stems, small and varying in color (white, yellow, or red)St. John’s plant, wild wormwood, crone-wort, chrysanthemum weed
UsesVery traditional medicinal and magical plant; also used culinarily in modern cuisine, and occasionally used for lucid dreaming. Makes a great plant for pollinators in your gardenPrimarily used in absinthe production, but also used culinarily as a spice. Has some medicinal value for infections and appetites, but also repels some insects as well. Very ornamental, but doesn’t do well alongside other plants
Origin and Growing PreferencesNative to Europe and Asia; thrives in uncultivated areas with full sunlight and nitrogen-rich soilNative to Europe and Asia; prefers full sunlight and nitrogen-rich soil, and does well in dryer conditions
Other NamesSt. John’s herb, wild wormwood, crone-wort, chrysanthemum weedAbsinthe, absinthe wormwood, mugwort

Key Differences Between Mugwort vs Wormwood

Mugwort vs Wormwood

Mugwort reaches up to 6 feet in height as opposed to wormwood, which reaches 5 feet.

©iStock.com/HansJoachim

There are a number of key differences between mugwort and wormwood. For example, mugwort typically grows larger than the average wormwood plant. Mugwort has uniquely pointed leaves, while wormwood has rounded leaves. The average wormwood plant produces yellow flowers, while mugwort plants may have flowers in white, yellow, or red. Finally, mugwort is used in a limited culinary capacity, while wormwood is key for absinthe production.

Let’s go over all of these differences in more detail now.

Mugwort vs Wormwood: Classification

Both belonging to the same plant family and genus, there are some undeniable differences between mugwort and wormwood. Plus, these plants are often named interchangeably, leading to even more confusion when it comes to how they are classified. However, wormwood and mugwort are two distinct species from one another, with wormwood classified as Artemisia absinthium, and mugwort classified as Artemisia vulgaris.

Mugwort vs Wormwood: Description

Mugwort vs Wormwood

Most wormwood leaves are darker on the top than on the bottom, while mugwort leaves remain the same green shade throughout.

©iStock.com/Olga Kazakova

It can be very difficult to tell wormwood and mugwort apart, given that they are so closely related. However, there are a few characteristics to pay attention to if you are trying to identify an unknown plant. For example, mugwort reaches up to 6 feet in height as opposed to wormwood, which reaches 5 feet, making mugwort a larger plant overall. Mugwort stems are also typically reddish in hue, while wormwood stems are gray-green.

The leaves are where you can truly tell the difference between these two plants. When it comes to identifying mugwort, its leaves are uniquely pointed, while wormwood leaves are rounded and simpler by comparison. In addition, most wormwood leaves are darker on the top than on the bottom, while mugwort leaves remain the same green shade throughout. Finally, wormwood plants typically produce yellow flowers, while mugwort plants produce white, yellow, or red flowers.

Mugwort vs Wormwood: Uses

Mugwort vs Wormwood

When it comes to identifying mugwort, its leaves are uniquely pointed, while wormwood leaves are rounded and simpler by comparison.

©Mr. Meijer/Shutterstock.com

Mugwort and wormwood have very traditional uses, both medicinally and magically. For example, mugwort has been used to assist in lucid dreaming practices, while wormwood is used medicinally for infections and appetite boosting. Wormwood is also a key component in absinthe production, while mugwort is rarely used in a culinary fashion. Both of these plants are ornamental and look attractive in the average backyard garden, but wormwood doesn’t grow well beside other plants, while mugwort is ideal for attracting pollinators

Mugwort vs Wormwood: Origin and How to Grow

Given their similarities and relation to one another, mugwort and wormwood originated in the same location. Native to Europe and Asia, both of these plants are prolific worldwide, and they are even considered invasive weeds in some locations. You can grow mugwort and wormwood in nitrogen-rich soil, in full sunlight, and in dry conditions. These plants grow best in wild areas and disturbed locations, with strong roots that lead to their invasive nature. 

Mugwort vs Wormwood: Other Names

Mugwort vs Wormwood

Wormwood doesn’t grow well beside other plants, while mugwort is ideal for attracting pollinators. 

©iStock.com/Larysa Lyundovska

One of the main reasons that wormwood and mugwort are confused with each other is because they are known by the same names. These two plants are often called the same thing interchangeably, but they are indeed two different plants. 

For example, mugwort is colloquially known as St. John’s herb, wild wormwood, cronewort, and chrysanthemum weed, while wormwood is known as absinthe, absinthe wormwood, and, you guessed it, mugwort. This no doubt leads to some confusion with these two plants, but hopefully, now you have some clues as to how you can best tell them apart.

Is Mugwort Good for Parasites?

Mugwort belongs to the Artemisia genus, which is also associated with wormwood. These two common names can sometimes be confused, as can their purposes. While wormwood is generally more potent, mugwort serves as a mild vermifuge and anthelmintic, assisting in the expulsion of parasites.

Wormwood is employed for eradicating intestinal parasites, including pinworms, roundworms (nematodes), and tapeworms. In the U.S., pinworms are the most prevalent worm infection, with pinworm eggs primarily transmitted from one person to another.

Roundworms, known as nematodes, are parasites that can also infest human intestines, while tapeworms are flat, elongated worms that infect both animal and human intestines.

The photo featured at the top of this post is © iStock.com/Olga Kazakova


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About the Author

August Croft is a writer at A-Z Animals where their primary focus is on astrology, symbolism, and gardening. August has been writing a variety of content for over 4 years and holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree in Theater from Southern Oregon University, which they earned in 2014. They are currently working toward a professional certification in astrology and chart reading. A resident of Oregon, August enjoys playwriting, craft beer, and cooking seasonal recipes for their friends and high school sweetheart.

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Sources
  1. Mugwort (Artemisia vulgaris, Artemisia douglasiana, Artemisia argyi) in the Treatment of Menopause, Premenstrual Syndrome, Dysmenorrhea and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, Available here: https://www.scirp.org/html/2-8801119_22705.htm
  2. Isolation and Identification of a Senescence-promoting Substance from Wormwood (Artemisia absinthium L.), Available here: https://academic.oup.com/plphys/article-abstract/66/2/246/6077190