Bud Sagebrush
Picrothamnus desertorum
Last reviewed: August 2026
Toxicity unknown
Bud Sagebrush (Picrothamnus desertorum) 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.
Bud Sagebrush is listed as toxic to grazing livestock (cattle, sheep, and goats) at a moderate level by the USDA PLANTS Database (opens in new tab). This is a livestock indicator and is separate from pet toxicity.
Light
full sun
Water
low
Size
12"–36" 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 437 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.
Find rebates in your areaBrowse 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.
Common questions
- How much sun does Bud Sagebrush need?
- Bud Sagebrush grows best in full sun conditions.
- When does Bud Sagebrush bloom?
- Bud Sagebrush blooms in June, July, and August.
- Where is Bud Sagebrush native?
- Bud Sagebrush (Picrothamnus desertorum) is native to AZ, CA, CO, ID and 6 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).
- Is Bud Sagebrush toxic to livestock?
- Bud Sagebrush is listed as toxic to grazing livestock such as cattle, sheep, and goats (moderate severity) by the USDA PLANTS Database. This is separate from pet (dog and cat) toxicity.
- What pollinators does Bud Sagebrush attract?
- Bud Sagebrush draws bees and beetles.
- Is Bud Sagebrush HOA-friendly?
- Bud 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 the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew). Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.
Ready to grow Bud Sagebrush? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.
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