Sand Sagebrush
Artemisia filifolia
Last reviewed: June 2026
Sand Sagebrush (Artemisia filifolia) is a drought-tolerant shrub native to the western Great Plains and southwestern United States. This silvery-gray plant blooms from summer through late fall and provides important habitat for native bees.
Light
part sun
Water
low
Size
36"–72" H × 36"–72" W
Bloom
Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct, Nov
Native to
AZ, CO, KS, NE and 7 more states
Pollinators
bees
Browse plants for this ecoregion
Sand sagebrush is a silvery-gray native shrub that forms a rounded, airy mass in the landscape. It produces inconspicuous flowers from summer through fall and maintains its feathery foliage year-round with minimal water requirements.
Growing Sand Sagebrush
Grow Sand Sagebrush in part sun and low water. Mature plants reach 36 to 72 inches tall and spread 36 to 72 inches wide. Expect low maintenance to keep it looking intentional in a front yard.
In an HOA neighborhood
Sand 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.
- Height exceeds typical HOA-friendly range
Wildlife value
This plant provides nectar for native bees during its extended bloom period from June through November. The seeds also serve as food for birds and small wildlife.
Common questions
- Where does Sand Sagebrush naturally grow?
- Sand Sagebrush is native to 11 states across the western Great Plains and Southwest, including Arizona, Colorado, Kansas, Nebraska, New Mexico, Nevada, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Texas, Utah, and Wyoming.
- When does Artemisia filifolia bloom?
- Sand Sagebrush produces flowers from June through November, with peak blooming typically occurring in late summer and early fall.
- What pollinators visit Sand Sagebrush?
- Native bees are the primary pollinators of Sand Sagebrush, visiting the small flowers for nectar and pollen during the extended blooming period.
- How much water does Sand Sagebrush need?
- This drought-adapted shrub thrives in low-water conditions and is well-suited to arid and semi-arid environments with minimal irrigation once established.
- Is Sand Sagebrush HOA-friendly?
- Sand 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.
Does Sand Sagebrush fit your yard? Open it in Pollinator Patch to check it against your sun, soil, and HOA-conscious filters.