Water
Water deeply but infrequently once established. Allow the soil to dry out completely between waterings. Overwatering can lead to root rot, especially in poorly draining soils.
Reduce watering significantly in winter to mimic natural dormancy.
Also known as Basin Sagebrush · Big Sage · Big Sagebush
Artemisia tridentata, or Big Sagebrush, is a fragrant evergreen shrub native to western North America, vital for wildlife habitat and arid landscapes.
At-a-glance light, water, soil, and growing conditions from plant data
Full Sun
100% intensity
Requires at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily.
Low Water Needs
25% intensity
Drought-tolerant once established.
Well-drained, Sandy, Loamy
50% intensity
Tolerant of Heat and Cold
25% intensity
Hardy in a wide range of temperatures.
No Fertilizer Needed
0% intensity
Adapted to poor soils; avoid fertilization.
Safety information from plant toxicity data
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Toxic for humans | No 0/5 intensity |
| Toxic for pets | No 0/5 intensity |
Non-toxic
Key traits and growing stats from plant data
Watering, pruning, propagation, and repotting details from plant data
Water deeply but infrequently once established. Allow the soil to dry out completely between waterings. Overwatering can lead to root rot, especially in poorly draining soils.
Reduce watering significantly in winter to mimic natural dormancy.
Prune lightly in late winter or early spring before new growth begins. Remove dead, damaged, or crossing branches to improve air circulation and shape.
Avoid heavy pruning, as this plant responds best to minimal intervention and can be slow to recover from severe cuts.
Propagate from seed sown in late fall or early spring, or from semi-hardwood cuttings taken in summer. Seeds require stratification (cold, moist treatment) for best germination.
Cuttings should be treated with rooting hormone and kept moist in a well-draining medium.
Repotting is rarely necessary for mature Artemisia tridentata as they are typically planted directly into the ground.
Young plants in containers should be repotted only when root-bound, ideally in spring before active growth commences. Use a well-draining potting mix.
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Monthly activity intensity for bloom and fruit across both hemispheres.
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Photos of Big Sagebrush (Artemisia tridentata)
Common names and botanical synonyms
Botanical classification
| Rank | Name |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Division | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Asterales |
| Family | Asteraceae |
| Genus | Artemisia |
| Species | Artemisia tridentata |
Similar in genus Artemisia
Answers based on plant encyclopedia data
