Bud Sagebrush
Picrothamnus desertorum
Last reviewed: June 2026
Light
full sun
Water
low
Size
12"–36" H × 12"–36" W
Bloom
Jun, Jul, Aug
Native to
MT
Pollinators
bees, beetles
Browse plants for this ecoregion
Picrothamnus desertorum is a compact, drought-tolerant shrub with silvery-gray evergreen foliage that provides year-round structure. It produces small yellow flowers from June through August and naturally maintains a tidy, rounded form without requiring frequent pruning.
In an HOA neighborhood
Bud 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.
- Appears sparse and twiggy when dormant
- Natural informal growth habit may look unkempt
- Common name includes 'sagebrush' which HOAs often associate with weeds
Wildlife value
The summer blooms attract bees and beetles, providing nectar during the hot summer months. The dense evergreen foliage offers shelter for small wildlife year-round.
Native range data from the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.
Does Bud Sagebrush fit your yard? Open it in Pollinator Patch to check it against your sun, soil, and HOA-conscious filters.