Abstract:In order to understand the growth characteristics of Artemisia annua in Wuling Mountain area, the growth and development law were studied. The results showed that the development of A. annua could be divided into six stages, including seedling stage, early branch stage, branching stage, bud stage, blooming stage and seed maturity stage. The leaf area increased most rapidly at branching stage, and the leaf area index had linear ascending with the growth of branches and leaves. Leaf area ratio overall decreased at seed maturity stage. The net assimilation rate changed slightly, which there were two small peaks at seedling and blooming stages, respectively. The relative growth rate changed greatly, crop growth rate was small at seedling and seed maturity stages, and high at branching stage. The rule of dry matter accumulation in the whole growth period appears “S” curve. During late June to late August, A. annua growth was at branching stage, dry matter accumulation rate and yield of leaves increased rapidly, so that this period was the key time of increasing yield of A. annua leaves, it should pay attention to balanced application of NPK fertilizers.