Artemisia filifolia (Sand Sagebrush)
Graceful and windswept-looking, Artemisia filifolia (Sand Sagebrush) is a compact semi-evergreen shrub with pleasantly aromatic, feathery, silver-blue foliage. The arching, slender leaves are long and narrow and emits a sweetly pungent aroma when bruised. Tiny, pale yellow flowers appear in spring and fall, but they are quite inconspicuous. They are followed by seeds which are an important food source for sharptail grouse and other birds.
Graceful and windswept-looking, Artemisia filifolia (Sand Sagebrush) is a compact semi-evergreen shrub with pleasantly aromatic, feathery, silver-blue foliage. The arching, slender leaves are long and narrow and emits a sweetly pungent aroma when bruised. Tiny, pale yellow flowers appear in spring and fall, but they are quite inconspicuous. They are followed by seeds which are an important food source for sharptail grouse and other birds. Native to the western plains and much of the Southwest, Sand Sagebrush thrives in deep sandy soils. It is useful for erosion control. It can also be used as an informal hedge or a versatile background for colorful flowering plants. Evergreen except in times of extreme drought.
- Grows up to 3-4 ft. tall and wide (90-120 cm). May self-sow in optimum growing conditions
- Thrives in dry, sandy or rocky soils in full sun. Drought tolerant. Too much water induces rank growth.
- Excellent for banks and slopes (erosion control), xeriscape gardens or as an informal hedge.
- Shearing ruins the delicacy of the foliage.
- Propagate by seed.
- Native from South Dakota to Texas and as far west as Nevada.
Requirements
| Hardiness | 4 – 8 |
|---|---|
| Climate Zones | 2, 2A, 2B, 3, 3A, 3B, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24 |
| Plant Type | Shrubs |
| Plant Family | Artemisia |
| Exposure | Full Sun |
| Season of Interest | Spring (Early,Mid,Late)Summer (Early,Mid,Late)FallWinter |
| Height | 3' – 4' (90cm – 120cm) |
| Spread | 3' – 4' (90cm – 120cm) |
| Spacing | 48″ (120cm) |
| Water Needs | Low |
| Maintenance | Low |
| Soil Type | Sand |
| Soil pH | Acid, Alkaline, Neutral |
| Soil Drainage | Well-Drained |
| Characteristics | Fragrant, Showy, Evergreen, Semi-Evergreen |
| Native Plants | United States, Midwest, Kansas, Nebraska, South Dakota, Northeast, Connecticut, New York, Rocky Mountains, Colorado, Utah, Wyoming, Southwest, Nevada, Arizona, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Texas |
| Tolerance | Clay Soil, Drought, Dry Soil, Rocky Soil |
| Attracts | Birds |
| Garden Uses | Banks and Slopes, Ground Covers, Hedges and Screens |
| Garden Styles | Informal and Cottage, Mediterranean Garden |