mugwort

[Catbrian]

Today I researched Mugwort on the net and immediately recognise one kind as the bush that grows in our back court!!    Purple stem, green leaf with a kind of fluffy/cotton flower at the top of each stock.  I'm sure it's mugwort....maybe zaf can advise.....?  The thing is, I thought it would probably have some kind of aroma but it doesn't, just a leafy grassy smell.   Mmmmmmm????  I'd hate to poison myself!!

[Zaf]

Are the plants about 2'6 - 3' high?  The description sounds right

Z x

If you google mugwort images you'll see several decent pictures of the plant, it doesnt smell of much till its dried and burnt

[Catbrian]

Yes, zaf they are about 3'.  Do they have an aroma?

[Zaf]

Not really, not till dried and burnt, if you google mugwort images there are some good photos.

I pick the top 18" or so off the top of each plant, dry them then tie them into smudge sticks

Z x

[Catbrian]

 +-_I will smoke it in a cannabis pipe!!   "£$  But I'll burnt it first and see what happens

[Zaf]

You need to pick it before it flowers if you can

I've never smoked it I find it works well burnt as a smudge stick or on a charcoal burner, it might be very strong smoked 

[Zaf]

I think it smels pretty awful!

[Catbrian]

Now that I know what it looks like, I seen loads of it today down by the river.

[Zaf]

I saw a fair bit driving home from picking Jade up, if I hadnt been in traffic on an A road I'd have taken pictures for you :)

Whenever I pick herbs etc I try to avoid main roads for obvious reasons, down by the river sounds a good source as long as you avoid the bits dogs might pee up 

[Catbrian]

Yes, I was very aware of the dog pee!!

[Zaf]

   I am too