SafePlants

Big Sagebrush (Artemisia tridentata)

Big sagebrush is a common name for several subspecies within the Artemisia tridentata species. It's the state flower of Nevada and a characteristic shrub of the Great Basin. The text mentions several common names and subspecies, which can sometimes be confusing.

Considerations for Pets

• Some subspecies, like Mountain Big Sagebrush, have leaves with a menthol odor. This might be interesting to pets.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Scientific Name: Artemisia tridentata Nutt.
• Family: Asteraceae (also known as Compositae)
• Common Names: Sagebrush, Big Sagebrush, Bonneville Big Sagebrush, Basin Big Sagebrush, Mountain Big Sagebrush, Wyoming Big Sagebrush
• Subspecies Examples:
  • Artemisia tridentata subsp. vaseyana (Rydb.) Beetle (Mountain Big Sagebrush)
  • Artemisia tridentata ssp. wyomingensis (Wyoming Big Sagebrush)
  • Artemisia tridentata ssp. xericensis (Xeric or Foothills Big Sagebrush)
• Synonyms: The text uses the abbreviations "ssp." and "subsp." interchangeably when listing the subspecies, which are both common conventions.

Distribution and Habitat

• Big sagebrush is dominant across the Intermountain West, including the Great Basin's intermountain valleys and low mountain ranges.
• Mountain Big Sagebrush (Artemisia tridentata subsp. vaseyana) is widely distributed in the west, particularly on well-drained soils in cooler, moister mountain climates.
• Specific locations mentioned include Steens Mountain (Harney County) and areas within Wyoming.
• Vasey's big sagebrush typically occurs on well-drained, moderately deep soils, but in contrast is restricted to cooler, moister mountain climates.

Ecological Role

• Big sagebrush communities are part of the Inter-Mountain Basins Big Sagebrush Steppe (CES304.778), a widespread ecological system.
• The text mentions studies on the effects of fire on sagebrush communities and the impact of spraying on shrub cover, suggesting its importance in the ecosystem.

Morphological Characteristics

• Mountain Big Sagebrush (Artemisia tridentata subsp. vaseyana) is described as a medium height evergreen shrub, typically 2 to 5 feet tall.
• It has silvery grey narrow leaves on many branches.
• The mountain big sagebrush subspecies is shorter and more compact than the basin and Wyoming subspecies.

Genetic Information

• The text refers to research on genetic and phenotypic parameters for dietary selection of mountain big sagebrush, indicating genetic variability within the subspecies.

Interactions with Other Organisms

• The text mentions browsing by animals and studies on bird communities within mountain big sagebrush ecosystems.

Further Information

• Rocky Mountain Bird Observatory's Pocket Guide to Prairie Birds is mentioned as a potential resource.
• Great Basin Seed is referenced as a source for Mountain Big Sagebrush.
• The Unique Identifier CES304.778 refers to a classification within a specific database or system related to ecosystems.