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 MT, per the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists.

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.

Bud Sagebrush

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Picrothamnus desertorum

Last reviewed: June 2026

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

Pollinators

bees, beetles

Browse plants for this ecoregion

Central Basin and Range Mojave Basin and Range

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 MT, per the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists.
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 USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists. 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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