Big Sage

*ORDERING QUANTITIES - our seedlings are sold in bulk*
10 - 27 cu. in. seedlings are sold in bundles of 24 (1 unit = 24 seedlings)
100 & 175 cu. in. seedlings are sold in bundles of 9 (1 unit = 9 seedlings)

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Artemisia tridentata

Native Species

Natural Habitat: Dry, open landscapes including sagebrush steppe, foothills, basins, and well-drained plains. Common on rocky, gravelly, or sandy soils across arid and semi-arid regions.

Life Cycle: Shrub

Rhizomatous: No (woody, deep-rooted shrub; some subspecies may layer but not rhizomatous)

Light Requirements: Full sun

Bloom Time: Late summer to fall (August–October)

Bloom Color: Yellow to pale yellow (inconspicuous)

Height: 2–10+ feet

Elevation Range: 2,000–9,000 ft

Cold Hardiness: Zones 3–7

Soil Preference: Well-drained, coarse, sandy, gravelly, or loamy soils; intolerant of saturated or poorly drained soils

Alkali/Saline Soil Tolerance: Moderate tolerance, especially in basin sites

Minimum Annual Precipitation: Approx. 7–12 inches

Drought Tolerance: Very high once established

Disturbance: Poor tolerance to frequent fire and heavy disturbance; slow to re-establish naturally and sensitive to soil compaction

Potential Pests/Disease: Root rot in poorly drained soils; browsing damage when young; occasional insect defoliation

Deer Resistance: Moderate to high (aromatic foliage reduces browsing, but may be browsed in winter)

Wildlife Value: Critical habitat and forage for many species

• Sage grouse (nesting, cover, winter forage)
• Pronghorn, mule deer, and elk (winter browse)
• Small mammals and birds (cover and food)
• Pollinators utilize late-season flowers and associated insects