Plant profile

Sagebrushes

Genus Artemisia

Sagebrushes are tough, aromatic shrubs in the genus Artemisia that can anchor a dry, sunny habitat and offer shelter and seasonal nectar for a range of insects.

Plant Type

Shrubs > Sagebrushes

Aliases

Sagebrush

Native Range

Varies by species; the genus Artemisia occurs across many regions of the Northern Hemisphere.

Bloom window

Varies by species; often late summer into fall

Overview Summary Impact Recognition Location Requirements Glossary Get Involved

OVERVIEW

About This Plant

Sagebrushes (genus Artemisia) are a smart choice when you want a pollinator habitat that looks intentional and can handle dry, sunny conditions. Think of them as the “backbone” of a planting: they add a shrub layer that helps smaller flowering plants feel protected and makes the whole patch look full even when not much is blooming.

Because the genus includes many species and garden selections, the details (size, bloom timing, and cold tolerance) can vary. What stays consistent is the basic care pattern: give sagebrush light, give it drainage, and don’t keep it wet.

To make sagebrush work best for pollinators, combine it with nearby flowers that have more obvious blooms across spring, summer, and fall. That way, the habitat offers both food (from a variety of flowers) and structure (from the shrub layer) in one easy-to-manage space.

Best role for pollinators

Sunny, low-water habitat plantings where you want durable structure and a natural look

Sagebrushes (habitat) (Artemisia spp.) — https://www.inaturalist.org/photos/78495429 Photo: (c) Ralph F Brueggemann, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC) | CC-BY-NC | iNaturalist

FAST FACTS

Quick Details

Essential stats and requirements for quick reference.

Category	Details
Also known as	Sagebrush
Bloom window	Varies by species; often late summer into fall
Typical height	Varies widely by species; from low mounds to larger shrubs
Pollinators supported	Bees, Flies, Wasps, Beetles
Light & moisture	Sun to part sun; dry to medium moisture, well-drained soil
Best roles for pollinators	Sunny, low-water habitat plantings where you want durable structure and a natural look

SUMMARY

If You Remember Three Things

A quick scan of what they do, what they need, and the best first step.

What they do

Sagebrushes add a hardy shrub layer that can support insects and make a pollinator habitat more resilient and low-maintenance.

What they need

Plenty of light and well-drained soil; water to establish, then avoid keeping roots soggy.

One best action

Place sagebrush where it gets sun and drains well, then pair it with nearby flowering plants for more obvious pollinator food.

IMPACT

Why Plant This?

A pollinator habitat needs more than flowers. Sagebrushes help by adding durable shrub structure—places to shelter, rest, and move through—while also contributing seasonal blooms in many species.

Many sagebrushes are valued for their scent and foliage texture—use them to make a habitat look good even between bloom waves.

Key Impacts

What it Supports

Shrubs create shelter and “rest stops” in a habitat, not just flowers.
Aromatic foliage can help a planting feel full even when other plants aren’t blooming.
A sturdy shrub backbone can make a pollinator patch easier to maintain over time.

RECOGNITION

Identification Guide

Sagebrushes can look different depending on the species, but many share a few easy-to-spot traits.

Leaves

Often aromatic; commonly gray-green or silvery; may be finely divided, feathery, or lobed depending on species.

Flowers

Usually small and clustered; not showy like many garden flowers; timing varies by species.

Fruits

Small, dry seeds typical of many daisy-family plants; not usually a garden feature.

Sagebrushes (Artemisia spp.) — https://www.inaturalist.org/photos/411035316 Photo: (c) joe dziewa, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC) | CC-BY-NC | iNaturalist

LOCATION

Where It Grows

Native environments and the best spots to place it in your landscape.

Habitats

Dry open areas
Sunny slopes and well-drained sites
Prairie- and meadow-edge plantings
Rocky or sandy soils

Where it is often used

Pollinator habitat structure (shrub layer)
Dry, sunny borders and edges
Naturalized plantings with grasses and wildflowers
Low-water schoolyard gardens
Windy or exposed spots where tougher plants are needed

SEASONALITY

When It Blooms

Notes on bloom windows and how this plant helps pollinators across the seasons.

Bloom window

Bloom timing depends on the species, and the flowers are often small—think of sagebrush as a “supporting actor” in the bloom calendar.

Bloom Season Role: Support plant (often subtle blooms) plus strong habitat structure

Seasonal benefits

Adds late-season variety when paired with showier fall bloomers
Keeps habitat looking full outside peak flower times
Provides protected spaces among stems and foliage

REQUIREMENTS

What It Needs

The right mix of sun, soil, and space for healthy growth.

Sun exposure

Full sun is best; part sun can work if the site stays open and bright.

Soil type

Well-drained soil is key. Many sagebrushes tolerate lean, sandy, or rocky soils.

Moisture needs

Water regularly during establishment, then reduce. Avoid keeping the soil constantly wet.

Planting method

Give each plant room for airflow and its mature width. Place it where it won’t shade smaller sun-loving flowers.

Mulching tips

Use a light mulch layer if needed, keeping it off the crown. In very dry plantings, gravel or small stone mulch can help keep stems dry.

GARDENING GUIDE

How to Grow It

Simple steps to plant, prune, and maintain healthy trees without pesticides.

Planting tips

Choose a sunny spot with good drainage (water should not pool after rain).
Dig a hole about as deep as the root ball and a bit wider.
Set the plant so the top of the root ball is level with the surrounding soil.
Backfill, gently firm the soil, and water in well.
Water as needed for the first season while roots establish, then let the soil dry slightly between waterings.

Seasonal care

Water to establish; once settled, avoid frequent watering unless conditions are very dry.
Prune lightly to shape if needed; remove dead or damaged stems.
Keep taller, spreading plants from crowding out nearby flowers.
Watch for poor drainage signs (yellowing, dieback) and improve drainage rather than adding more water.

What not to do

Planting sagebrush in a low spot where water collects
Watering on a schedule even after the plant is established
Using sagebrush as the only “pollinator plant” in a patch
Letting it crowd out smaller flowers

Pairings

Best Pairings for Season-Long Bloom

Pairing ideas to keep pollinators fed throughout the growing season.

Early Bloom

Early-blooming native wildflowers suited to your area
Spring bulbs in nearby beds (where appropriate)

Mid-Season Bloom

Summer-blooming daisies and other nectar plants
Native grasses for a layered habitat look

Late-Season Bloom

Fall-blooming flowers to pair with late-season *Artemisia* bloom
Seed-head plants that add texture into cooler months

Because “sagebrush” can refer to many different Artemisia species and cultivars, check the plant tag for mature size and growth habit before planting.

GLOSSARY