How much sun does Black Sagebrush need?

Black Sagebrush grows best in full sun conditions.

When does Black Sagebrush bloom?

Black Sagebrush blooms in June, July, and August.

Where is Black Sagebrush native?

Black Sagebrush (Artemisia nova) is native to AZ, CA, CO, ID and 6 more states, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.

Is Black Sagebrush toxic to livestock?

The USDA PLANTS Database does not flag Black Sagebrush as toxic to livestock.

What pollinators does Black Sagebrush attract?

Black Sagebrush draws bees and beetles.

Is Black Sagebrush HOA-friendly?

Black Sagebrush is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with low maintenance.

Black Sagebrush

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Artemisia nova

Last reviewed: September 2026

Toxicity unknown

Black Sagebrush (Artemisia nova) is not listed by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (opens in new tab) or the other sources we check, so we have no verdict for it either way. Absence from those lists is not a clearance. If your pet shows symptoms after eating any plant, call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435.

The USDA PLANTS Database (opens in new tab) does not flag Black Sagebrush as toxic to livestock.

Light

full sun

Water

low

Size

6"–24" H × 12"–36" W

Bloom

Jun, Jul, Aug

Native to

AZ, CA, CO, ID and 6 more states

Pollinators

bees, beetles

Before you buy

Your city may pay you to plant this

Cities and water utilities offer rebates for replacing lawn with native and water-wise plants. We track 452 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.

Find rebates in your area

Browse plants for this ecoregion

Sierra Nevada Southern California Mountains North American Deserts Central Basin and Range Mojave Basin and Range Northwestern Forested Mountains Southern Rockies Arizona/New Mexico Mountains

Black sagebrush is a compact, silvery-gray shrub with fine-textured foliage that stays attractive year-round. This drought-tolerant native produces small clusters of inconspicuous flowers in summer and maintains a neat, rounded form with minimal care.

In an HOA neighborhood

Black Sagebrush is an HOA-friendly choice. Maintenance level: low. Tidiness: 4 out of 5.

Works well in: front yard, foundation, street edge, mid zone.

Wildlife value

The summer blooms attract native bees and beneficial beetles. Small mammals and birds may use the dense shrub for shelter.

Common questions

How much sun does Black Sagebrush need?: Black Sagebrush grows best in full sun conditions.
When does Black Sagebrush bloom?: Black Sagebrush blooms in June, July, and August.
Where is Black Sagebrush native?: Black Sagebrush (Artemisia nova) is native to AZ, CA, CO, ID and 6 more states, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.
Is Black Sagebrush toxic to livestock?: The USDA PLANTS Database does not flag Black Sagebrush as toxic to livestock.
What pollinators does Black Sagebrush attract?: Black Sagebrush draws bees and beetles.
Is Black Sagebrush HOA-friendly?: Black Sagebrush is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with low maintenance.

Native range data from vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

If something looks wrong

Common plant problems, and what to check first

These come up on almost any plant. Each guide lists the likely causes in the order they are worth ruling out, with one thing to check before you act on any of them, and links to the source it came from.

See all plant problem guides

Ready to grow Black Sagebrush? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.

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