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(Artemisia nova)
Black Sagebrush (Artemisia nova)
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© Bobby McCabe
CC BY 4.0
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© Bobby McCabe
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Copyright:
CC BY 4.0
Copyright Notice:
Photo by: © Bobby McCabe | License Type: CC BY 4.0 | License URL: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ | Uploader: bobby23 | Publisher: iNaturalist |
Estimated Native Range
Summary
Artemisia nova, commonly known as Black Sagebrush, is an evergreen subshrub or shrub native to arid and semi-arid regions, particularly the Great Basin and surrounding areas in the Western United States. It typically grows no taller than 20 to 30 centimeters and is adapted to harsh environments with poor, rocky soils. Black Sagebrush has a compact form with upright stems branching from a central woody base, making it well-suited for xeriscaping and rock gardens.
This species is valued for its aromatic foliage, which is green, short, narrow, and sometimes toothed at the tip, releasing a distinctive sage-like fragrance when crushed. The inflorescence features clusters of small, inconspicuous flower heads with shiny, oily, yellow-green phyllaries and transparent tips. The fruit is a minuscule achene. Black Sagebrush is drought-tolerant and thrives in full sun, requiring minimal water once established. It is ideal for low-water landscapes, erosion control, and habitat restoration projects. While it reproduces mainly by seed, vegetative reproduction by layering is rare but possible. Gardeners should note that its growth can be limited by overwatering or poorly drained soils.CC BY-SA 4.0
This species is valued for its aromatic foliage, which is green, short, narrow, and sometimes toothed at the tip, releasing a distinctive sage-like fragrance when crushed. The inflorescence features clusters of small, inconspicuous flower heads with shiny, oily, yellow-green phyllaries and transparent tips. The fruit is a minuscule achene. Black Sagebrush is drought-tolerant and thrives in full sun, requiring minimal water once established. It is ideal for low-water landscapes, erosion control, and habitat restoration projects. While it reproduces mainly by seed, vegetative reproduction by layering is rare but possible. Gardeners should note that its growth can be limited by overwatering or poorly drained soils.CC BY-SA 4.0
Plant Description
- Plant Type: Subshrub, Shrub
- Height: 1.5-2 feet
- Width: 1.5-3 feet
- Growth Rate: Moderate
- Flower Color: N/A
- Flowering Season: Summer
- Leaf Retention: Evergreen
Growth Requirements
- Sun: Full Sun
- Water: Low
- Drainage: Fast, Medium, Slow
Common Uses
Bee Garden, Bird Garden, Butterfly Garden, Deer Resistant, Drought Tolerant, Fragrant, Low Maintenance, Rabbit Resistant
Natural Habitat
Native to arid and semi-arid regions, particularly the Great Basin and surrounding areas in the Western United States
Other Names
Common Names: Black Sage
Scientific Names: , Artemisia nova, Seriphidium novum, Artemisia nova var. duchesnicola, Artemisia nova var. nova, Artemisia tridentata subsp. nova, Artemisia arbuscula subsp. nova, Artemisia arbuscula var. nova, Artemisia arbusula subsp. nova, Artemisia arbusula var. nova
GBIF Accepted Name: Artemisia nova A.Nelson