SafePlants

San Diego Sagewort (Artemisia palmeri)

Artemisia palmeri, commonly known as San Diego sagewort or Palmer's sagewort, is a rare species of sagebrush.

Considerations for Pets

• This plant is a sagebrush, so, you'll want to research sagebrush in general for potential risks to pets.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Scientific Name: Artemisia palmeri A. Gray
• Common Names: San Diego sagewort, Palmer sagewort
• Family: Asteraceae (Sunflower family)
• Synonyms: Artemisiastrum palmeri
• USDA Symbol: ARPA15

Distribution and Habitat

• Native to northern Baja California and San Diego County, California.
• Found in the coastal valleys of southern San Diego County, from approximately Escondido southward.
• Prefers washes and ravines with slightly more ground moisture.
• Endemic to Baja California and San Diego County.

Morphology and Growth

• A perennial subshrub.
• Can grow up to six feet tall and blooms.
• Leaves are deeply lobed and whorled in groups along thin, red stems.
• Plants can reach about 3 feet tall with arching stems.

Quirky Facts

• There's a rumor that David Bowie ate this type of sagewort while writing his album "Low".

Ecology

• Part of the chaparral, coastal sage scrub, and riparian vegetation zones.
• Mentioned in the context of the San Diego Habitat Conservancy (SDHC) preserve alongside other species like adolphia and the loggerhead shrike.

Care Instructions

• Dig a hole and insert the plant slightly higher than the surrounding soil grade.
• Minimize disturbance to the root ball.
• Use native soil for backfilling, without amendments or fertilizers.
• Water generously.

Further Information

• CNPS (California Native Plant Society) Inventory of Rare and Endangered Plants (list 4.2).
• Discover Life provides information on the biology, natural history, ecology, identification, and distribution of Artemisia palmeri.
• Calscape.com offers information on where this plant grows, plant photos, growing tips.