Where does annual mugwort grow? A botanical journey through countries, climates, and cultures

Annual mugwort—botanically known as Artemisia annua —belongs to the daisy family (Asteraceae), a genus of plants known for its diversity and adaptability . As its name suggests, it completes its entire life cycle within a single year: from germination in spring to flowering and seed ripening in autumn. Its origins lie in the temperate regions of China, where it has been valued for centuries for its numerous uses.

Artemisia annua is also a visual sight: The plant can reach heights of up to three meters and has delicate, feathery, deep green leaves. Rubbing one between your fingers releases an intensely spicy scent reminiscent of camphor and lemon peel—a hint of its rich palette of valuable plant compounds.

Artemisia annua belongs to the diverse family of the Artemisia genus, which also includes mugwort ( Artemisia vulgaris ) and wormwood ( Artemisia absinthium ) – two plants deeply rooted in European tradition. While these species have been known in many cultures for centuries, Artemisia annua has gained renewed worldwide attention, especially in recent years – for example, in the areas of natural skin care products, sustainable agriculture , and, of course, as incense.

Artemisia annua's botanical home is in the temperate climates of East Asia, particularly in central and southern China. There, it is known as "Quinghao" and has grown wild for centuries – preferring sunny, open locations such as forest edges, riverbanks, or fallow fields, where it can flourish undisturbed.

Its natural habitat is characterized by warm temperatures, light-filled locations, and well-drained, nutrient-rich soils. It thrives particularly well in regions with humid summers and mild winters. However, it doesn't thrive in waterlogged conditions, prolonged cold, or dense, heavy soils—conditions that would challenge its delicate root system.

Particularly remarkable is its ability to adapt to new locations. Whether through deliberate cultivation or natural spread, Artemisia annua has developed into numerous new habitats over the centuries. Today, we find it not only in large parts of Asia, but also in Europe, Africa, and North America.

Today, Artemisia annua has long since conquered a place on the world map beyond its area of origin. Thanks to increased human use, growing interest, and its remarkable adaptability, we can now find it on several continents.

In addition to its traditional homeland in China, India, and Vietnam, the plant now also thrives in large parts of Africa, South and North America , and southern regions of Europe. Where mild temperatures, abundant light, and permeable soils prevail, Artemisia annua finds ideal conditions—whether growing wild or cultivated.

It can also be seen here in Central Europe – for example, in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland – provided the location and climate are right. Its global distribution is a testament to its resilience and versatility – and also a sign of the growing worldwide interest in this traditional plant.

Artemisia annua is a sun-loving plant with a keen sense of location. It prefers bright, warm spots with nutrient-rich, well-drained soil—conditions that allow it to flourish in all its botanical diversity.

In the wild, it is often found in places that offer exactly these conditions – for example:

• Forest edges and field edges where it gets plenty of light and the soil is not too compacted

• Fallow land and unused fields characterized by warmth and loose soil

• Roadsides and riverbanks, provided the soil is permeable and not too moist

• Old garden areas or uncultivated meadows, if there is a nutrient-rich environment there

These locations show that Artemisia annua seeks openness, light and freedom to develop in natural surroundings – whether growing wild or as part of a carefully tended garden.

But what once had its natural origins on forest edges, riverbanks and fallow land has long since developed into a deliberately cultivated raw material with global significance: Artemisia annua is now cultivated in numerous countries – driven by growing interest and the desire for natural and versatile plants.

In Asia, especially in China and Vietnam, annual mugwort has long been a part of everyday culture and landscape. There, it is still cultivated on small farms or in private herb gardens, as well as on a large scale.

Targeted cultivation is also gaining increasing importance in Europe. In countries such as Germany, Austria, and Switzerland, the plant is increasingly being cultivated in regional, nature-based projects – often with the goal of creating local value and revitalizing old plant knowledge.

Our commitment to teemana is an example of innovative, high-quality cultivation in Europe – which combines modern scientific findings with traditional approaches in harmony with nature: With our specially developed special varieties, which are grown exclusively in Germany under controlled conditions and harvested by hand, we are setting an example for global responsibility, care, and respect for creation.

You can find our exquisite range of Artemisia annua products here .

But new movements are also emerging beyond Europe: Since December 2024, the cultivation of Artemisia annua has been supported with 6 million US dollars in the USA – a clear sign of the growing international interest in this traditional plant. In addition, new cultivation projects are also taking shape in Africa and South America – often in combination with social and ecological projects that strengthen local communities and open up sustainable prospects.

This demonstrates that Artemisia annua has long since become a plant of global relevance —both rooted in the past and pointing the way for the future. Want to learn more about the cultural significance of Artemisia annua over time? Then read our following blog post: From ancient customs to modern research—The cultural significance of Artemisia annua