Description
Big Sagebrush
Scientific Name: Artemisia tridentata
Capture the character of the dry Interior with Big Sagebrush (Artemisia tridentata), the iconic aromatic shrub of British Columbia’s grasslands and sagebrush steppe. Silvery, fragrant, and tough, it defines the landscape of the southern Interior.
Big Sagebrush is superbly adapted to the hot, dry, and well-drained soils of Interior BC. Its soft silver-grey foliage carries a distinctive scent and provides structure, drought resilience, and year-round interest in native and xeriscape gardens.
Growing naturally across grasslands, open slopes, and arid flats, this long-lived shrub shelters wildlife, holds fragile soils in place, and stands as a keystone of the dry Interior ecosystem.
Features
- Native to the dry Interior of British Columbia
- Aromatic silver-grey evergreen foliage
- Exceptional drought tolerance
- Provides year-round structure and cover
- Culturally and ecologically significant
- Supports grassland wildlife and pollinator habitat
- Ideal for xeriscape and grassland restoration
Growing Information
Mature Height: 0.5 to 2 m (1.5 to 6.5 ft)
Spread: 0.5 to 2 m (1.5 to 6.5 ft)
Light Requirements: Full sun
Soil Requirements: Well-drained, sandy to gravelly soils
Moisture Requirements: Low
Hardiness Zone: 3 to 8
Ecological Benefits
Big Sagebrush is a keystone of the sagebrush steppe, providing shelter, nesting sites, and browse for birds, insects, and mammals. Its late-season wind-pollinated flowers are part of a habitat that supports a wide pollinator community, and its roots stabilize dry, fragile soils. This species is essential for grassland restoration and drought-tolerant landscaping in the Interior. Please note: sagebrush resents wet feet and heavy soils, and establishes best from young container stock planted into well-drained ground.
Please note: As a native plant, size and appearance may vary depending on the season and stage of growth.
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