Evergreen shrub with gray-green leaves typically 2-3 ft. tall, flowering July to November. Adapted to well-drained loamy or occasionally rocky soils, from harsh dry sites of low valleys and plains, to benches and mid-elevation mountain slopes; 2,500 to 7,500 ft. elevation. Most drought tolerant of the big sagebrush subspecies. Range overlaps with the other two subspecies, occupying sites with shallower, more arid soils. Will not resprout after wildfire. Used heavily by big game species during winter months. Not as palatable as Mountain big sagebrush (ssp. vaseyana), but more palatable than Basin big sagebrush (ssp. tridentata). Crucial food source for sage-grouse. Provides valuable cover for birds and small mammals.

DISTRIBUTION / ADAPTATION

INFORMATION & ATTRIBUTES

Family: Asteraceae

Duration: Perennial

Growth Habit: Shrub/Tree

Native Status: Native

Growth Form: Multiple Stem

Mature Height: 3 ft.

Bloom Color: Yellow

Fruit/Seed Color: Brown

Bloom Period: Late Summer

Annual Precipitation: 8-20 in.

Drought Tolerance: High

Shade Tolerance: Low

Elevation:  ft.

Wetland Indicator Status:

Fire Resistance: No

Fire Tolerance: Low

Nitrogen fixation: None

SOIL ADAPTATION

Coarse Texture: Yes

Medium Texture: Yes

Fine Texture: Yes

Salinity Tolerance: Low

CaCO3 Tolerance: High 

pH Range: 6.0-8.5

SEEDING NOTES

Seeds per Pound: 1,700,900

Seeding Rate:  PLS lbs/acre

Season: Fall

Days to Germination: