California Sagebrush
Artemisia californica
Also listed as Artemisia abrotanoides, Artemisia fischeriana
Also known as Coastal Sagebrush, Californian Sagebrush
Climate Match for your location
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A native California shrub with finely textured, aromatic silvery-green foliage and small yellow flowers in late summer. Extremely drought-tolerant once established and ideal for xeriscape landscapes.
Why grow it
California sagebrush fills the niche of a low-growing, fine-textured native shrub for arid regions where many ornamental sages become leggy or require more water. Its silvery foliage provides visual contrast in xeriscape designs, and it establishes more rapidly than some competing native shrubs once its root system develops. Compared to cultivated garden sages, it requires minimal fertilizer and pruning, making it a lower-maintenance option for water-conscious landscapes in western climates.
Watch out for
This shrub prefers well-draining soil and may decline in areas with high humidity or poorly drained clay soils. Young plants benefit from consistent watering during establishment, typically the first growing season, before their deep root systems mature. In mild coastal regions, dense growth can become susceptible to fungal issues if air circulation is poor.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Asteraceae
Native to the United States
Native Range
California native
Native to: California
Seasonality
Bloom Season
Season of Interest
Notable Cultivars
'Powis Castle' is sometimes listed but is a hybrid (A. absinthium × A. arborescens); pure A. californica cultivars are less commonly named in horticulture, with plants typically sold as the species.
Shrub
Woody multi-stem plants at eye level.
Succession Role
Tolerances & Soil
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Propagation
A native California shrub with finely textured, aromatic silvery-green foliage and small yellow flowers in late summer. Extremely drought-tolerant once established and ideal for xeriscape landscapes.
Climate Match for your location
See how well California Sagebrush grows in your area.
Enter your ZIP code and we'll show you how this plant fits your local climate.
Why grow it
California sagebrush fills the niche of a low-growing, fine-textured native shrub for arid regions where many ornamental sages become leggy or require more water. Its silvery foliage provides visual contrast in xeriscape designs, and it establishes more rapidly than some competing native shrubs once its root system develops. Compared to cultivated garden sages, it requires minimal fertilizer and pruning, making it a lower-maintenance option for water-conscious landscapes in western climates.
Watch out for
This shrub prefers well-draining soil and may decline in areas with high humidity or poorly drained clay soils. Young plants benefit from consistent watering during establishment, typically the first growing season, before their deep root systems mature. In mild coastal regions, dense growth can become susceptible to fungal issues if air circulation is poor.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Asteraceae
Native to the United States
Native Range
California native
Native to: California
Seasonality
Bloom Season
Season of Interest
Shrub
Woody multi-stem plants at eye level.
Succession Role
Tolerances & Soil
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Propagation
Similar shrubs you might consider:
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Companion Planting
Plants well with
Notable Cultivars
'Powis Castle' is sometimes listed but is a hybrid (A. absinthium × A. arborescens); pure A. californica cultivars are less commonly named in horticulture, with plants typically sold as the species.