Allelopathic effects of Artemisia frigida Willd. on growth of pasture grasses in Inner Mongolia, China

► We determined the VOCs from damaged and undamaged Artemisia frigida. ► The VOCs inhibited seedling growth of 3 grass species in Inner Mongolia pastures. ► The chlorophyll content and photosynthesis were inhibited by the VOCs. ► The VOCs from damaged A. frigida had greater inhibition effect.