Artemisia californica (California sagebrush)

Cultivation

Grow in well-drained, preferably neutral soil in full sun. In hot, dry summers, spring leaves wilt and are replaced by smaller, tough leaves. Under prolonged drought, may shed leaves entirely. Does not tolerate summer wet. Highly combustible. In its native range, it provides critical habitat for threatened California gnatcatcher, Bell's sage sparrow, and California quail.

Suggested uses

Banks and Slopes, Gravel, Rock, Beds and borders, Cottage/Informal, Drought Tolerant, Low Maintenance, Wildlife, Drying, Foliage only, Desert garden/Xeriscaping

UK hardiness

H4

USDA zones

Zone 7, Zone 8, Zone 9, Zone 10

Sunset zone

7, 8, 9, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24

WUCOLS

North-Central Coastal = Low
Central Valley = Low
South Coastal = Very Low
South Inland = Very Low
High and Intermediate Desert = Unknown
Low Desert = Unknown

Foliage

Deciduous

Habit

Upright, Open stems, Branching

Native to

California, Mexico

Drought tolerant

Yes

Flood tolerant

No

Fragrance

Aromatic foliage

Toxicity

Not toxic