SafePlants

Big Sagebrush (Artemisia tridentata)

Artemisia tridentata, widely recognized as big sagebrush, is an iconic and aromatic shrub prevalent in the western United States. It plays a crucial ecological role in its native habitats.

Common Names

• Big Sagebrush
• Great Basin Sagebrush
• Sagebrush
• Common Sagebrush
• Blue Sagebrush
• Black Sagebrush

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Scientific Name: Artemisia tridentata Nutt.
• Family: Asteraceae (Aster or Sunflower family)
• Synonyms:
  • Artemisia tridentata ssp. parishii (Parish’s big sagebrush)
• Subspecies and Varieties:
  • Artemisia tridentata ssp. tridentata (Basin big sagebrush)
  • Artemisia tridentata ssp. wyomingensis (Wyoming big sagebrush)
  • Artemisia tridentata var. vaseyana (Vasey's big sagebrush, or Mountain big sagebrush)

Distribution and Habitat

Big sagebrush is most common and widely distributed in the western United States, especially throughout the Great Basin. It thrives in silty and sandy soils and is a characteristic shrub of the Great Basin’s intermountain valleys and low mountain ranges. It is also found in the Chaparral biome. Wyoming big sagebrush communities are often found in Inter-Mountain Basins Big Sagebrush Steppe regions.

Ecological Role

As a key foundational species, big sagebrush ecosystems are the most widespread in semiarid western North America. It can rapidly colonize heavily grazed lands due to livestock's reluctance to consume its bitter leaves. The plant also provides habitat for numerous wildlife species, including sage-grouse and elk. It is threatened by the invasion of cheatgrass and fire disturbances.

Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits

• Big sagebrush is an evergreen, perennial shrub.
• It is a much-branched, gray-green shrub with a pungent, sage-like aroma.
• It typically grows to 4 feet tall but can range from 1.3 to 15 feet.
• The plant has a short, thick trunk or a few stems rising from the base.
• Young stems are silvery-gray, while older stems become grayish.
• Numerous flowers occur along many stalks.

Considerations for Pets

• Big sagebrush is described as a woody shrub.

Considerations for Children

• Big sagebrush is described as a woody shrub.

Quirky Facts

• The state of Nevada has designated Big Sagebrush as its state flower, and Wyoming has named Wyoming big sagebrush as its official state shrub.
• 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

Big sagebrush grows in a community with bunchgrasses. Vasey’s big sagebrush is often found with an herb layer dominated by Idaho fescue and/or pinegrass. It is a food source for some animals, although livestock tend to avoid it due to its bitter taste.

Further Information

• PLANTS database
• Alberta Native Plant Council
• Udall Laboratory (for ongoing research)