Artemisia californica

Photographs

My Photos:

I found this handsome young specimen growing in the dry creekbed of Bell Canyon in Ronald W. Caspers Wilderness Park in Orange County, California.

More photos:

Calflora closeups of foliage and flowers.

click to enlarge image

Plant Information

Asteraceae

In the garden:

This is a grayish shrub, which is mostly 1 to 4 feet tall and usually broader than tall. It has a strong mint-like aroma. It’s flowers are not showy. It does well along coastal areas, but not in the hot interior valleys. It is recommended for a border planting or in any sunny location. Also, it is useful in a mixed border where it’s gray leaves will soften harsh reds or oranges and will blend beautifully with blues, lavenders, and pinks. Plant it in full sun—shade makes it lax and less gray in color. It needs little or no water once established. It should not be pruned, but it can be maintained as a low clump by removing the flowering stems when these appear. It becomes more or less unattractive with age, so replace it every couple of years. Propagate by seeds or by division during the spring or fall. It is salt and drought tolerant.

In the wild:

Sagebrush is native to much of central and southern California and is part of the 'sage' in coastal sage scrub. Although it doesn't seem to care if it has clay or sand, this sagebrush hates being wet in the summer. Seeds germinate after wildfires, and burnt plants crown sprout after fires. Quail love it. Oak seedlings often come up under this plant. It is common on dry slopes and fans below 2500 feet.

Ethnobotany:

It has been said that this plant was extensively used by the early Spanish settlers as a cure for most common ills. The Luiseño natives of north coastal San Diego County and Riverside County used it for arrows as well as in a ceremonial fire before hunting. Various native groups as well as Spanish settlers used it for its medicinal properties. The leaves were chewed or smoked in combination with tobacco to relieve colds, and a tea from the boiled plant was administered to induce menstrual activity and for childbirth, especially post-natal.

Artemisia californica (California Sagebrush)