Western Sagebrush

Artemisia tridentata ssp. tridentata

ar-teh-MEEZ-ee-uh try-den-TAY-ta
4 to 6 ft.
3 to 6 ft.
Add To Favorite Plants
 

very low

dull yellow

mid to late summer

4 to 6 ft.

3 to 6 ft.

Yes

Rocky Mountains and western North America

sun

USDA zones 4-9

hardy to 9,500 ft.

Western Sagebrush is perhaps the most important shrub of the western rangelands. It supports a number of native mammals, birds, and insects with food and shelter.

Its shape varies, ranging from irregular and upright to a broad oval. The leaves are light gray-green in color and produce a wonderful scent after a rainstorm. In late summer, it develops small, yellow flowers in panicles. Seedheads are whitish-tan and showy.

This is an excellent choice for a low-water landscape that will provide multiple benefits to wildlife.

very low

dull yellow

mid to late summer

4 to 6 ft.

3 to 6 ft.

Yes

Rocky Mountains and western North America

sun

USDA zones 4-9

hardy to 9,500 ft.

Western sagebrush is a tough, xeric shrub, native to western Colorado shrublands.

At the Xeriscape Demonstration Garden, these shrubs have attractive twisted, gnarled branches. Their shape is irregular. They have survived for many years without any supplemental water.

Prune out broken or dead branches as needed.