Big Sagebrush

Big sagebrush is the dominant shrub of western North American semi-arid rangelands, recognized by its pale silvery foliage and distinctive three-lobed (tridentate) leaves. It ranges from British Columbia south to Baja California and east to the Great Plains, growing on open slopes where precipitation is moderate. Reaching up to 15 feet tall, it is evergreen and aromatic.

Big sagebrush thrives in full sun with moderate water needs and excellent drought tolerance once established (Zones 4a to 8b). It prefers well-drained soils across a wide pH range (4.5 to 8.5) and requires no irrigation in its native climate. This shrub serves well for large-scale landscapes in water-limited sites. Not suited to heavy, wet soils.