[3] It is found in cold locations in Eurasia (Scotland,[4] Scandinavia, Ural Mountains of Russia)[5][6] and high altitudes and high latitudes in North America (Nunavut, Yukon, Alaska, British Columbia, Alberta, Washington, Montana, Idaho, Wyoming, California).

It can be found in moraines, fell field habitat, alpine meadows, and areas dominated by grasses and sedges.

In Alaska it occurs on the fjords of Prince William Sound alongside larkspur monkshood (Aconitum delphiniifolium), Eschscholtz's buttercup (Ranunculus eschscholtzii), and Canadian burnet (Sanguisorba canadensis).

[3] Artemisia norvegica is food for a number of animals, such as mountain goats, which eat it during the summer in Alaska, as well as Sitka black-tailed deer and hoary marmots.

[3] Artemisia norvegica is a pioneer species in the primary phase of ecological succession in disturbed areas, such as plains scoured by flooding.