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White Sage

Krascheninnikovia lanata

Last reviewed: June 2026

Krascheninnikovia lanata is a drought-tolerant native shrub found across western North America from Arizona to Wyoming. This white sage blooms from May through July and provides important habitat for native bees and beetles.

White Sage (Krascheninnikovia lanata)
Photo: no rights reserved

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

Light

full sun

Water

low

Size

12"–36" H × 12"–36" W

Bloom

May, Jun, Jul

Native to

AZ, CA, CO, ID and 13 more states

Pollinators

bees, beetles

Winterfat is a compact native shrub with silvery-gray foliage that creates a soft, mounded appearance in the landscape. This drought-tolerant plant produces small flowers from May through July and naturally maintains a tidy rounded form. It's an excellent choice for water-wise gardens and adds year-round structure with its attractive gray-green leaves.

Growing White Sage

Grow White Sage in full sun and low water. Mature plants reach 12 to 36 inches tall and spread 12 to 36 inches wide. Expect low maintenance to keep it looking intentional in a front yard.

In an HOA neighborhood

White Sage is an HOA-friendly choice. Maintenance level: low. Tidiness: 4 out of 5.

Works well in: front yard, foundation, street edge, mid zone.

Wildlife value

The summer blooms attract bees and beetles, providing nectar during the growing season. The dense branching structure also offers shelter for small wildlife.

Common questions

Where does Krascheninnikovia lanata naturally grow?
Krascheninnikovia lanata is native to 17 western and central states including Arizona, California, Colorado, Idaho, Kansas, Montana, North Dakota, Nebraska, New Mexico, Nevada, Oklahoma, Oregon, South Dakota, Texas, Utah, Washington, and Wyoming.
When does white sage bloom?
Krascheninnikovia lanata typically blooms from May through July, producing small inconspicuous flowers that attract native pollinators.
What pollinators visit Krascheninnikovia lanata?
This native shrub is visited by bees and beetles, which help pollinate its small flowers during the spring and early summer blooming period.
What growing conditions does white sage prefer?
Krascheninnikovia lanata thrives in full sun locations with low water requirements, making it well-adapted to arid and semi-arid regions of western North America.
Is White Sage toxic to livestock?
The USDA PLANTS Database does not flag White Sage as toxic to livestock.
Is White Sage HOA-friendly?
White Sage is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with low 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 White Sage? 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