Mugwort is a native wildflower steeped in folklore. For hundreds of years it was made into garlands and hung over doors to deter evil spirits. It has also been used in place of hops for beer, as a moth repellent, herbally to cure nervousness in women(!) and to cure consumption.

It has many other local common names across the country, including Apple Pie, St. John's Herb, Bollon Bane, Felonherb, Midge Plant, Sailor's Tobacco, Old Uncle Henry, Naughty man and Maiden's Wort.

It is thought that Romans may have placed Mugwort in their sandals to prevent aching feet on marches.

And if a Footman take Mugwort and put it into his 

Shoes in the Morning, he may go forty miles 

Before noon and not be weary

~William Coles, The Art of Simpling, 1656

Mugwort will grow in pretty much any soil in full sun or partial shade and lends a wild feel to a border. In the wild it can be seen growing on verges, field boundaries and wasteland.