Artemisia princeps
Artemisia princeps, also commonly called yomogi, Japanese mugwort, Korean wormwood, Korean mugwort or wormwood in English, is an Asian plant species in the sunflower family, native to China, Japan and Korea. It is a perennial, very vigorous plant that grows to 1.2 meters. This species spreads rapidly by means of underground stolons and can become invasive. It bears small, buff-colored flowers from July to November which are hermaphroditic, and pollinated by wind. The leaves are feather shaped, scalloped and light green, with white dense fuzz on the underside. Distribution and habitat Artemisia princeps is native to China, Japan and Korea. It has been introduced into Belgium and the Netherlands. It grows in a variety of habitats including roadsides, slopes, valleys, and riverbanks. Uses Culinary Leaves and young seedlings can be eaten raw or cooked. They can also be used in salads and soups after removal of the bitterness. Japan In Japan the herb is used to flavor glutinous rice dumplings called kusa mochi () or yomogi mochi (), or rice flour dumplings called kusa dango (). The young leaves can be lightly boiled before being pounded and added to impart a pleasant colour, aroma and flavour. Because of this use,