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Wyoming big sagebrush
Scientific Name: Artemisia tridentata ssp. wyomingensis
Family: Asteraceae
Category: Dicot
Growth: Tree, Shrub
Duration: Perennial
Other Names:
Wyoming Big Sagebrush (Artemisia tridentata subsp. wyomingensis)
Wyoming big sagebrush, scientifically known as Artemisia tridentata subsp. wyomingensis, is a prominent subspecies of big sagebrush found in the western United States. It has been designated as the official state shrub of Wyoming.
Taxonomy and Nomenclature:
- Scientific Name: Artemisia tridentata subsp. wyomingensis Beetle & Young
- Common Name: Wyoming big sagebrush
- Family: Asteraceae (implied by mention of Asteraceae in context of germination tests)
- Synonyms/Alternative Names: Artemesia tridentata wyomingensis (a common misspelling)
Distribution and Habitat:
- Wyoming big sagebrush is commonly found in the drier regions of the western United States, including eastern Montana and Wyoming.
- It thrives in shallower soils and drier sites at lower elevations.
- Adapted to well-drained fertile or infertile shallow soils on benches, lower slopes and plains.
Ecological Role:
- Wyoming big sagebrush is considered a keystone species in much of the western United States.
- It provides essential habitat for numerous wildlife species, including the greater sage-grouse.
- Sagebrush (including Big Sagebrush) can rapidly colonize on heavily grazed lands.
Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits:
- Wyoming big sagebrush is an evergreen shrub, typically ranging from 1 to 3 feet in height (12-30 inches).
- It is considered intermediate in height compared to other big sagebrush subspecies.
- Big sagebrush, in general, can grow up to 15 feet high, making it the tallest sagebrush species.
Interactions with Other Organisms:
- Provides habitat for numerous wildlife species.
Other Subspecies Mentioned:
- Mountain big sagebrush (Artemisia tridentata subsp. vaseyana)
- Xeric or Foothills big sagebrush (Artemisia tridentata subsp. xericensis)
- Basin big sagebrush (implied comparison in water/soil studies)
- Subalpine big sagebrush (mentioned in context of identification guide)
Further Information:
- University of Wyoming, Dept of Botany
- University of Nevada UNR