Big Sage Bush
BIG SAGE BRUSH
Artemisia tridentata

Big Sage Brush is the most common sagebrush of the Southwest, and is known for its aromatic properties. Historically, Native Americans burned the rough, shaggy black bark and silver-gray leaves to neutralize skunk odor, and Spanish settlers used the leaves as a sort of “perfumed” toilet paper. Native Americans also brewed tea from Big Sage Brush to treat the common cold, fever, and headaches.

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GARDENING BASICS
Type: Shrubs
Hardiness: -20˚F
Water: Low
Sun Exposure: Full
GROWTH
Growth Rate: Moderate
Average Size: 4’ H × 3’ W
Coverage: 7 square feet
FOLIAGE
Foliage Type: Evergreen
Foliage Color: Gray-green
FLOWERS & FRUITS
Flower Color: Small, inconspicuous cream colored flowers
Flower Season: June
Fruit: Tiny seed-like fruit crowd in flower heads
MORE COMMENTS
Thorns: No
Allergies: Highly allergenic
Periodically prune out old stems as new growth is most attractive. Sagebrush is a valuable forage plant for wildlife, particularly during the winter. It is browsed by deer, moose, elk, antelope, and bighorn sheep, especially in late winter and spring. Sage grouse also feed heavily on sagebrush, which also provides nesting sites for a variety of songbirds.