ExplorePlants

Big Sagebrush

Artemisia tridentata

Big Sagebrush is a tall, bushy plant that grows in dry places. It has soft, silvery-green leaves and smells like a fresh herb when you touch it. This plant is important for many animals in the desert!

Habitat: Desert

Appearance

The Big Sagebrush has distinctive silvery-green or grey-green leaves, often with three small lobes at the tip, making it stand out in arid landscapes. It forms a sturdy, woody shrub with dense branches. Its muted colors are a unique identifier amongst other desert plants.

KingdomPlantaePhylumTracheophytaClassMagnoliopsidaOrderAsteralesFamilyAsteraceaeGenusArtemisia
Big Sagebrush
aromatic trait badgeshrub trait badgeevergreen trait badgemedicinal trait badge
Big Sagebrush

Category

Plants

Rarity

Common

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Snaps

Be the first to snap!

Interesting facts

It gives off a wonderful, distinct smell, especially after it rains in the desert!

Many tiny birds and insects rely on its seeds for their winter food supply!

The silvery-green leaves often have three little 'teeth', giving it a unique look!

This tough plant can live for more than 100 years, growing strong in harsh lands!

Special abilities

Ability

Deep Drinker

Big Sagebrush has long taproots that reach deep into the soil to find water, helping it survive in dry places.

Ability

Winter Green

Big Sagebrush keeps its leaves all winter, providing food and shelter for animals when other plants are bare.

Ability

Scent Shield

Big Sagebrush produces strong-smelling chemicals that help protect its leaves from being eaten by some animals.

Measurements & details

Height
50-300 cm
Spread
150-250 cm
Flower Size
0.2-0.5 cm
Bloom Season
Late summer to fall
Edible
No
Toxicity
Mild
Lifecycle
Perennial
Pollination Method
Wind

Ecological connections

eaten by

Greater Sage-Grouse

Centrocercus urophasianus

Its leaves are vital winter food for this ground bird.

eaten by

Pygmy Rabbit

Brachylagus idahoensis

Almost its entire diet consists of Big Sagebrush.

eaten by

Pronghorn

Antilocapra americana

A key food source, especially when other plants are scarce.

shelters

Sagebrush Sparrow

Artemisiospiza nevadensis

This bird builds its nest safely within the branches.

Traits

Also known as

No aliases listed yet.

Collections

Safety

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Do not eat any plants unless an adult says it's safe!

Frequently Asked Questions

How tall is Big Sagebrush?

50-300 cm

How wide does Big Sagebrush spread?

150-250 cm

How big are the flowers on Big Sagebrush?

0.2-0.5 cm

When does Big Sagebrush bloom?

Late summer to fall

Is Big Sagebrush edible?

No

Is Big Sagebrush toxic?

Mild

What is Big Sagebrush's lifecycle?

Perennial

How is Big Sagebrush pollinated?

Wind

Snap Map

Zoom in to split clusters and explore where this object has been snapped.

Loading map…

Recent Snaps

Recent snaps will appear here as new observations are added.

Where to spot

More Plants