How much sun does Sagebrush need?

Sagebrush grows best in full sun conditions.

When does Sagebrush bloom?

Sagebrush blooms in June, July, and August.

Where is Sagebrush native?

Sagebrush (Artemisia arbuscula) is native to CA, CO, ID, MT and 5 more states, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.

Is Sagebrush toxic to livestock?

The USDA PLANTS Database does not flag Sagebrush as toxic to livestock.

What pollinators does Sagebrush attract?

Sagebrush draws bees and beetles.

Is Sagebrush HOA-friendly?

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

Sagebrush

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Artemisia arbuscula

Last reviewed: September 2026

Toxicity unknown

Sagebrush (Artemisia arbuscula) 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.

The USDA PLANTS Database (opens in new tab) does not flag Sagebrush as toxic to livestock.

Light

full sun

Water

low

Size

12"–36" H × 12"–36" W

Bloom

Jun, Jul, Aug

Native to

CA, CO, ID, MT and 5 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 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 Sierra Nevada North American Deserts Central Basin and Range Southern Rockies

A compact, silvery-leaved shrub that forms neat mounds in the landscape. The aromatic foliage provides year-round structure and color contrast, while small clusters of yellow flowers appear in summer.

In an HOA neighborhood

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.

Strong sagebrush appearance may seem too wild for front yards
Aromatic foliage can be polarizing in formal settings
Associated with natural prairie rather than cultivated landscapes

Wildlife value

Summer blooms attract native bees and beneficial beetles. The dense foliage provides shelter for small wildlife and birds.

Common questions

How much sun does Sagebrush need?: Sagebrush grows best in full sun conditions.
When does Sagebrush bloom?: Sagebrush blooms in June, July, and August.
Where is Sagebrush native?: Sagebrush (Artemisia arbuscula) is native to CA, CO, ID, MT and 5 more states, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.
Is Sagebrush toxic to livestock?: The USDA PLANTS Database does not flag Sagebrush as toxic to livestock.
What pollinators does Sagebrush attract?: Sagebrush draws bees and beetles.
Is Sagebrush HOA-friendly?: 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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