How much sun does Boreal Sagebrush need?

Boreal Sagebrush grows best in full sun conditions.

When does Boreal Sagebrush bloom?

Boreal Sagebrush blooms in July, August, and September.

Where is Boreal Sagebrush native?

Boreal Sagebrush (Artemisia borealis) is native to CO, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.

What pollinators does Boreal Sagebrush attract?

Boreal Sagebrush draws bees and beetles.

Is Boreal Sagebrush HOA-friendly?

Boreal Sagebrush takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Boreal Sagebrush

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Artemisia borealis

Last reviewed: August 2026

Toxicity unknown

Boreal Sagebrush (Artemisia borealis) 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.

Light

full sun

Water

low

Size

6"–24" H × 6"–18" W

Bloom

Jul, Aug, Sep

Native to

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

Northwestern Forested Mountains Southern Rockies High Plains Northwestern Great Plains

Artemisia borealis is a compact native perennial with silvery-gray aromatic foliage that forms neat mounds. This drought-tolerant plant produces small flowers in summer and fall, adding subtle texture to water-wise gardens.

In an HOA neighborhood

Boreal Sagebrush takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: low. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Works well in: backyard only.

Dies back completely in winter leaving bare spots
May appear weedy or unkempt to traditional landscaping preferences
Uncommon plant that HOAs may not recognize as intentional landscaping

Wildlife value

The summer blooms attract bees and beetles, while the seeds provide food for birds in fall and winter.

Common questions

How much sun does Boreal Sagebrush need?: Boreal Sagebrush grows best in full sun conditions.
When does Boreal Sagebrush bloom?: Boreal Sagebrush blooms in July, August, and September.
Where is Boreal Sagebrush native?: Boreal Sagebrush (Artemisia borealis) is native to CO, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.
What pollinators does Boreal Sagebrush attract?: Boreal Sagebrush draws bees and beetles.
Is Boreal Sagebrush HOA-friendly?: Boreal Sagebrush takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

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

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