Artemisia tridentata aka Basin Sagebrush

Taxonomy

Artemisia tridentata, also known as big sagebrush, Great Basin sagebrush, or simply sagebrush, is an evergreen shrub from the Asteraceae family that thrives in arid and semi-arid conditions throughout the Intermountain West of North America. It can be found in cold desert, steppe, and mountain habitats, dominating large portions of the Great Basin. Its range extends from British Columbia's southern interior to Baja California and east to the western Great Plains of New Mexico, Colorado, Nebraska, and the Dakotas. However, this species is facing several major threats, including human settlements, conversion to agricultural land, invasive plant species, and wildfires. Despite the challenges it faces, sagebrush provides food and habitat for a variety of species, such as sage grouse, pronghorn antelope, grey vireo, pygmy rabbit, and mule deer, making it especially important to game animals during the winter. Native Americans also used the plant medicinally, and it is useful as firewood. Big sagebrush is a gnarled shrub that can grow up to 9 feet tall. Its small, velvety, silvery leaves have a sweet, pungent aroma and give a bluish-gray effect when massed together. Although it is typically found in the wild, Sage Brush is also a super rare houseplant that needs regular watering to thrive. It does best in long-lasting, direct light and well-draining soil. If you repot each time it doubles in size, your plant shouldn't need added fertilizers. However, it should be less than 1 foot from a window to receive enough light.

Common names

Basin Sagebrush, Sagebrush, Big Sagebrush

How to care for Basin Sagebrush

Difficulty

With a bit of knowledge and dedication, you can successfully care for Basin Sagebrush, making it a rewarding choice for those seeking a moderate challenge.

Water

Basin Sagebrush should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.

Soil

Basin Sagebrush loves a well-draining soil. Perlite and vermiculite help with drainage, while coco coir adds organic matter, so a good potting soil mix will have all three. You can improve store-bought soil by adding some perlite to it.

Lighting

Basin Sagebrush requires abundant, bright and direct light. Placing it less than one foot from a window is the best way to make sure the plant receives enough light to survive and thrive. Depending on your region, however, the current weather can affect the placement of the plant in your home. For example, in some areas the sun may be too direct and intense, so it's best to place it farther away from the window. You may also need to adjust your placement according to the season as the sunlight can change intensity over the course of the year. If you live in a region with significant temperature fluctuations, such as a desert, you may need to place the plant a bit farther away from the window to avoid extreme heat or cold. With some care and attention, your Basin Sagebrush will be sure to bring you many years of beauty and enjoyment.

Dormancy

During the wintertime, it is common for Basin Sagebrush plants to go dormant and their growth rate may slow down. Therefore, the amount of waterings should be spaced out more.

Toxicity

No verified data on the toxicity of this plant exists within Ploi's records. Should you, someone in your family, or your pet ingest plant material with an unknown toxicity level, it is recommended to seek medical advice.

Fertilizer

Once the Basin Sagebrush has doubled in size or after a year has passed, it should be moved to a new pot. By replacing the soil with fresh potting soil containing all the vital nutrients, your plant will receive all the sustenance it needs, negating the requirement for fertilizer. It's important to remember that plants get their energy from the sun, not fertilizer.

Region of origin

Basin Sagebrush’s native range is Western N. America - British Columbia to California and Mexico, east to Nebraska.


More info:
Wikipedia