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Owyhee sage
Scientific Name: Artemisia papposa
Family: Asteraceae
Category: Dicot
Growth: Subshrub
Duration: Perennial
Other Names:
Owyhee Sage (Artemisia papposa)
This page provides information about Owyhee Sage (Artemisia papposa), drawing from various sources related to the Bruneau-Owyhee Sage-grouse Habitat Project and related conservation efforts. While not a comprehensive botanical description, it offers insights into its habitat, ecological role, and connections to wildlife, particularly the Greater Sage-grouse.
Scientific Classification and Nomenclature
- Scientific Name: Artemisia papposa
- Common Names: Owyhee Sage, Big Sage, Sagebrush, Big Sagebrush
- Family: Composites (Sunflower family)
Distribution and Habitat
Owyhee Sage is found in the Owyhee region, which includes areas of southwestern Idaho, eastern Oregon (Malheur County), and northern Nevada. This plant thrives in the arid landscapes of the Owyhee Canyonlands, the Owyhee Desert, the Northern Basin and Range - Owyhee Uplands and Canyons, and sage steppes. Specific locations mentioned include Sage Creek in Owyhee County, Idaho, and areas near the Owyhee River and Lake Owyhee Reservoir.
Ecological Role
Owyhee Sage is a crucial component of the habitat for the Greater Sage-grouse. Its presence or absence greatly influences the sage-grouse population. Threats to sage-grouse recruitment include juniper encroachment in sagebrush habitats. Conservation efforts often focus on maintaining and restoring sagebrush ecosystems, including managing grazing and fire regimes.
Interactions with Other Organisms
- Greater Sage-grouse: Owyhee Sage provides crucial habitat for the Greater Sage-grouse, influencing their recruitment and overall population health. Conservation efforts are heavily focused on maintaining and improving sagebrush habitats for this species.
- Juniper: Juniper encroachment is considered a threat to sage-grouse habitat, suggesting a competitive relationship between juniper and sagebrush.
- Horses: Wild horses are mentioned in connection to the Owyhee Desert landscapes among greasewood and sage.
Further Information
More information about Artemisia papposa can be found on Discover Life's website. Additional data may be available through the BLM (Bureau of Land Management), NRCS (Natural Resources Conservation Service), and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.