Douglas' Sagewort
Artemisia douglasiana
Last reviewed: June 2026
Douglas' Sagewort is a native perennial forb found throughout California, Nevada, Oregon, and Washington. This drought-tolerant plant blooms from June through September and attracts bees, butterflies, and moths.
Douglas' Sagewort (Artemisia douglasiana) is not on the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center toxic plant list for dogs or cats (aspca.org (opens in new tab), last reviewed 2026-05-21). If your pet shows symptoms after eating any plant, call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435.
Light
full sun
Water
low
Size
24"–60" H × 24"–48" W
Bloom
Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep
Native to
CA, NV, OR, WA
Pollinators
bees, butterflies, moths
Browse plants for this ecoregion
A soft-textured native perennial with silver-gray aromatic foliage. It grows in a loose upright form and produces small, inconspicuous flowers in summer through early fall.
Growing Douglas' Sagewort
Grow Douglas' Sagewort in full sun and low water. Mature plants reach 24 to 60 inches tall and spread 24 to 48 inches wide. Expect moderate maintenance to keep it looking intentional in a front yard.
In an HOA neighborhood
Douglas' Sagewort is an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement. Maintenance level: moderate. Tidiness: 2 out of 5.
Works well in: backyard only, mid zone.
- Can spread aggressively via rhizomes if not contained
- Informal appearance might be perceived as untidy
- Dies back in winter leaving bare patches
Wildlife value
Host plant for painted lady butterfly.
This plant supports various pollinators including native bees, butterflies, and moths. It also serves as a host plant for several butterfly species.
Common questions
- Where does Douglas' Sagewort naturally grow?
- Douglas' Sagewort is native to the western United States, naturally occurring in California, Nevada, Oregon, and Washington.
- When does Artemisia douglasiana bloom?
- Douglas' Sagewort typically blooms from June through September, producing small flowers that attract various pollinators.
- What pollinators visit Douglas' Sagewort?
- This native plant attracts bees, butterflies, and moths during its blooming period from summer into early fall.
- How much water does Douglas' Sagewort need?
- As a drought-tolerant native plant, Douglas' Sagewort thrives with low water requirements once established, making it ideal for water-wise gardens.
- Is Douglas' Sagewort toxic to dogs?
- Douglas' Sagewort is not on the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center toxic plant list for dogs (aspca.org).
- Is Douglas' Sagewort toxic to cats?
- Douglas' Sagewort is not on the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center toxic plant list for cats (aspca.org).
- Is Douglas' Sagewort HOA-friendly?
- Douglas' Sagewort is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with moderate maintenance.
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 Douglas' Sagewort? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.
Not sure where to start? Take the 2-minute yard quiz