How to Harvest Mugwort in the Northwest

Identify mugwort by the angular stems which are often a purplish color. They can be 3 or more feet high. The leaves are smooth and dark green on top with a cottony fine down on the underside and are pointed. The flowers are small and oval with a cottony base around the bottom of the flower. They are pale yellow or reddish and arranged in clusters on long stems.

Harvest mugwort leaves in August early after the dew has burned off but before the heat of the day. Lay the leaves out to dry in open air or in a warm room on shelves for about 10 days. Turn them often to prevent mold. If using the roots, harvest these in the fall. Allow the roots to dry before grinding them up into a powder. Douglas Mugwort is native to the Northwest and is harvested in the same way as any mugwort.

Check with your local authorities about the legality of collecting mugwort from public lands. Mugwort is not native to North American and is considered an invasive plant so this should not be a problem. Your local extension agent should be able to give you this information. Mugwort grows along roadsides, hedgerows, ditches, wooded areas. In short, mugwort abounds in most areas of the country.