Native Plant: Sagebrush
Sagebrush might be our favorite native shrub! An iconic symbol of the American West, sagebrush has historically been used in spiritual ceremonies and as medicine. Today, it plays a vital role in preserving landscapes and wildlife habitat during times of drought.
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Sagebrush: Plant Description
Sagebrush (Artemisia tridentata) is a woody, aromatic shrub with many branches and a coarse bark that comes off easily. It usually stands around 1.5 to 4 feet tall, but can reach up to 10 feet tall in ideal conditions. The evergreen leaves are gray-green and an inch or less long, covered in fine, silvery hairs. When the leaves or crushed or when sagebrush is the predominant plant in an area, you’ll notice a sharp, spiced, somewhat bitter scent.
Sagebrush flowers in the late summer or early fall with small, yellow flowers arranged in long, loosely arranged tubular clusters.
Sagebrush Habitat
Sagebrush is native to North America, and grows throughout the west and northwest in arid conditions. It can be found in cold deserts, mountainous regions, and steppes, and it prefers sandy or loose soil.
Sagebrush Growth
Growing from a deep taproot, sagebrush has a wide, shallow root network that allows it to collect water in the dry environment it grows in. In addition to flowering in late summer or early fall, sagebrush can spread through sprouts that shoot up from the root system. Once established, it can live for over 100 years, making it a resilient keystone species in the arid landscapes that surround us.
Looking for tips on how to work with the natural landscape in your yard? Contact our team to learn how to work with - not against - keystone native species to help protect the biodiversity of our local ecosystem.