Artemisia princeps

Artemisia princeps, also known as Korean mugwort, Japanese mugwort, or Asian mugwort, is a species of perennial plant in the Asteraceae family. It is native to China, Japan, and the Korean peninsula, and has been naturalized in many other parts of the world.

Description

Artemisia princeps is a tall, perennial herbaceous plant that typically grows to a height of 1.2 meters. It has deeply lobed, dark green leaves with a silvery underside. The plant produces small, yellow or reddish-brown flowers in the summer and autumn.

Uses

Artemisia princeps is used extensively in traditional East Asian medicine. It is believed to have a variety of medicinal properties, including anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, and anti-cancer effects. The plant is also used in the production of moxa, a material used in moxibustion, a traditional therapeutic technique that involves burning the material on or near the skin.

In addition to its medicinal uses, Artemisia princeps is also used in cooking, particularly in East Asian cuisines. The leaves are often used as a flavoring in soups and stews, and can also be used to make a type of rice cake known as mugwort rice cake.

Cultivation

Artemisia princeps is a hardy plant that can grow in a variety of soil types, although it prefers well-drained soil. It can tolerate both full sun and partial shade. The plant is propagated by seeds, which are sown in the spring.

Conservation Status

While Artemisia princeps is not currently considered to be at risk of extinction, its habitat is being threatened by urbanization and other forms of human activity. Efforts are being made to conserve the species and its habitat.

See Also

• List of Artemisia species
• Traditional Korean medicine
• Traditional Japanese medicine