Native Plants A-Z
California Sagebrush
Artemisia californica
KEY DETAILS
Plant Type
- Drought-deciduous shrub; sheds most foliage in summer drought, resprouting with fall rains.
Light
- Full sun; thrives on hot, exposed slopes. Becomes leggy and less vigorous in shade.
Soil
- Well-drained soils, including sandy, rocky, or clay-loam
- Thrives in nutrient-poor conditions but is intolerant of waterlogging.
Size
- Typically 3–5 ft tall and 4–6 ft wide, forming airy, upright mounds; size varies with site conditions and garden pruning.
Bloom Time
- Late summer to fall; small, inconspicuous yellow flowers that support pollinators despite not being showy.
Sun Exposures per day
Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sun
Part shade: 3-4 hours of direct sun
Part Sun: 5–6 hours of direct sun
Full Sun: Receives 6+ hours of direct sun