Mugwort, Native Californian

Moonwort, Kaat (Karuk name) – often known as mugwort—is one of my favorite local plants, growing from northern Baja throughout California and much of the Mountain West. It is most often found along river bars in gravelly soils, sometimes in the partial shade of cottonwoods or willows. Its presence closely follows water and disturbance, thriving where rivers shift and reshape the land.

Kaat has long been, and continues to be, an important medicinal plant among Indigenous peoples, including the Karuk, who maintain deep relationships with this plant through ongoing cultural and healing traditions. It is traditionally used to ease flu symptoms, respiratory complaints, and labor pains. Herbalist Michael Moore later wrote about its effectiveness for gastric ulcers and biliousness associated with overconsumption of fats, drawing attention to knowledge long held in Indigenous herbal practice.

A hot tea made from the plant promotes sweating and is commonly used for colds and flu. The flowers can be infused into a salve with notable antibacterial and antifungal properties. Mugwort’s reputation as a dream-enhancing herb remains strong; it may be taken as a tea or placed near the bed to encourage vivid, sometimes wild dreams. Some people burn it as an incense for ritual cleansing, while its aromatic, silver foliage dries beautifully for wreaths and bouquets.

In the garden, mugwort adapts well to cultivation when given well-drained soil and minimal watering. Plants typically reach 3–5 feet tall, with soft silver-green foliage and yellow-tinged flowers. It thrives in full sun to partial shade and returns reliably as a perennial. Hardy in Zones 4–10.