SafePlants

Big Sagebrush: An Aromatic Shrub of the West

Artemisia tridentata, commonly known as big sagebrush, Great Basin sagebrush, or simply sagebrush, is a widespread and recognizable shrub of the western United States. Its distinctive aroma and gray-green foliage make it a characteristic element of its native landscapes.

Considerations for Pets and Children

• Aromatic Oils: Big sagebrush possesses a strong, pungent, sagelike aroma due to the presence of aromatic oils.
• Woody Structure: Big sagebrush is a woody shrub.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Scientific Name: Artemisia tridentata Nutt.
• Common Names: Big sagebrush, Great Basin sagebrush, Sagebrush, Common Sagebrush, Blue Sagebrush, Black Sagebrush, Bonneville big sagebrush, Basin big sagebrush, Mountain big sagebrush.
• Family: Asteraceae (Aster or Sunflower family) / Compositae.
• Synonyms: The text mentions various subspecies and varieties, including Artemisia tridentata ssp. tridentata, Artemisia tridentata ssp. parishii (Parish's big sagebrush), Artemisia tridentata ssp. wyomingensis (Wyoming big sagebrush), and Artemisia tridentata var. vaseyana (Vasey's big sagebrush).

Distribution and Habitat

• Big sagebrush is native to western North America, particularly the Great Basin region.
• It is the most common and widely distributed sage species in the western United States.
• It thrives in silty and sandy soils, often in communities with bunchgrasses.
• It is a characteristic shrub of the Great Basin's intermountain valleys and low mountain ranges.

Ecological Role

• Big sagebrush is a key foundational species in its ecosystem.
• It is threatened by the invasion of cheatgrass.
• It provides habitat for numerous wildlife species, including sage-grouse.
• It rapidly colonizes on heavily grazed lands. Livestock tend to avoid it due to its bitter leaves, giving it a competitive advantage over grasses and forbs in such areas.

Morphological Characteristics

• Big sagebrush is an evergreen, perennial, much-branched shrub.
• It typically grows to about 4 feet tall, but can range from 1.3 to 15 feet.
• It has a short, thick trunk or a few stems rising from the base.
• Young stems are silvery-gray, while older stems become grayish.
• It has numerous flowers that occur along many stalks.
• It is a strongly scented, woody shrub.

Quirky Facts

• Big sagebrush is the state flower of Nevada and the official state shrub of Wyoming.
• Native Americans used sagebrush to ward off ticks.
• The local Washoe tribe called this plant "dabal" and used the bark for baby care.

Interactions with Other Organisms

• It grows in a community with bunchgrasses.
• Vasey's big sagebrush is often found with an herb layer dominated by Idaho fescue and/or pinegrass.
• Livestock is generally reluctant to eat its bitter leaves.
• Provides habitat for wildlife species.

Further Information

• PLANTS database
• Udall Laboratory (for research on Big Sagebrush)