MOUNTAIN BIG SAGEBRUSH

Artemisia tridentata

Big sagebrush is a variable species that fills several ecological roles in its various forms. It is probably the commonest native shrub in our region, and can be called the signature plant of the Great Basin. In addition, it is just one of many native species of sagebrush. For use in home landscapes, we like mountain big sagebrush (Artemisia tridentata subspecies vaseyana). It is the smallest of the big sagebrush subspecies, has the most compact growth form, and tolerates some supplemental water without becoming rangy and overgrown. It also has a pleasing menthol scent that is not so sharp as the scent of some other sagebrushes. Any native garden that claims to be representative of the region needs to include big sagebrush, preferably as a backbone species. It combines well with a host of other shrubs, grasses, and perennials, providing winter structure and color as well as a backdrop of gentle green to show off Indian paintbrush and other brightly colored wildflowers. In a naturalistic shrub steppe planting, it is best to start out with only a few big sagebrush plants scattered among the bunchgrasses and flowers, as it will tend to fill in with time.