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Artemisia californica - Less.

Common Name California Sagebrush
Family Asteraceae
USDA hardiness 7-10
Known Hazards Although no reports of toxicity have been seen for this species, skin contact with some members of this genus can cause dermatitis or other allergic reactions in some people[222].
Habitats Coastal scrub, dry foothills, growing on a wide range of soils, though they often contain large amounts of gravel, are typically thin and undeveloped and have little ability to retain nutrients and water at elevations up to 800 metres[270].
Range Southwest N. America - California, Baja California.
Edibility Rating    (0 of 5)
Other Uses    (3 of 5)
Weed Potential No
Medicinal Rating    (2 of 5)
Care (info)
Frost Hardy Well drained soil Moist Soil Full sun
Artemisia californica California Sagebrush


Bri Weldon Creative Commons Attribution 2.0
Artemisia californica California Sagebrush
John Rusk CC-BY-NC-SA from Berkeley, CA

 

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Summary

California Sagebrush was traditionally an essential medicinal herb for the native North Americans, who used it for various purposes, particularly as an emmenagogue and birthing aid. It was used to induce menstruation, provide a comfortable childbirth experience, and promote rapid postnatal recovery. The essential oil from this plant contains five toxic terpenes. It has been suggested that releasing terpenes by California sagebrush contributes to the relative lack of vegetation under and adjacent to the shrub. Due to their pest-repellent properties, Artemisia species are often used for soil improvement, as ground cover, and in companion planting. Some species are also used for erosion control.


Physical Characteristics

 icon of manicon of shrub
Artemisia californica is a deciduous Shrub growing to 2 m (6ft) by 2 m (6ft) at a fast rate.
See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 8 and is not frost tender. The flowers are pollinated by Wind. The plant is self-fertile.
It is noted for attracting wildlife.
Suitable for: light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils, prefers well-drained soil and can grow in nutritionally poor soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils and can grow in saline soils.
It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers dry or moist soil and can tolerate drought. The plant can tolerate maritime exposure.

UK Hardiness Map US Hardiness Map

Synonyms

Crossostephium californicum (Less.) Rydb. A. abrotanoides Nutt. A. fischeriana Besser. A. fischeriana var. vegetior Besser. A. foliosa Nutt. Crossostephium foliosum Rydb.

Plant Habitats

Edible Uses

None known

References   More on Edible Uses

Medicinal Uses

Plants For A Future can not take any responsibility for any adverse effects from the use of plants. Always seek advice from a professional before using a plant medicinally.


The pollen is extracted and used as a desensitizing agent to relieve hay fever[1050 ]. The plant was an important medicinal herb for the native North Americans, who used it for various purposes, particularly as an emmenagogue and birthing aid. It was used to induce menstruation, provide a comfortable childbirth experience, and promote rapid postnatal recovery. Beginning with menstruation, young girls were given tea from boiled California sagebrush. From this point forward, California sagebrush tea was drunk just before each menstrual period for their reproductive life. The drink was also given to newborn babies one day after birth to clean out their system. The leaves were also used to relieve colds, chewed fresh or dried, and were smoked after mixing with tobacco and other leaves. They were also used in sweathouses for various cures[1050 ]. The leaves can be processed externally into a poultice and applied directly to the forehead to relieve headaches[1050 ].

References   More on Medicinal Uses

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Other Uses

Agroforestry Uses: artemisia species are often used for soil improvement, as ground cover, and in companion planting due to their pest-repellent properties. Some species are also used for erosion control. The essential oil from this plant contains five toxic terpenes. It has been suggested that releasing terpenes by California sagebrush contributes to the relative lack of vegetation under and adjacent to the shrub. During the first rains of December, the leaf drip from California sagebrush is toxic. The rain leaches toxins from the leaves and litter absorbed by the soil, adding to toxins previously deposited by volatilisation during the dry season[1050 ]. California sagebrush seeds and transplants have successfully rehabilitated disturbed sites[1050 ]. The plant is said to have potential for use in erosion control[1050 ]. Other Uses: The branches have been used as firesticks[1050 ]. Due to their pest-repellent properties, Artemisia species are often used for soil improvement, as ground cover, and in companion planting. Some species are also used for erosion control. Nectary - Flowers rich in nectar and pollen: Artemisia species produce flowers that can provide nectar and pollen, attracting various pollinators, including bees. Wildlife - Food (Fruit, Seeds, Leaf litter, Shelter, Nesting, Roosting): The leaves of some Artemisia species are consumed by various insects and herbivores. It is an essential source of food for local wildlife because Artemisia californica flowers late in the season. Additionally the plant can provide cover for small wildlife. Invertebrate Shelter (Overwintering sites, Leaf litter, Groundcover): The dense foliage can offer shelter and overwintering sites for beneficial insects, and the leaf litter can provide habitat for various invertebrates. Pest Confuser (Smell): Many Artemisia species are aromatic and can confuse or repel pests due to their strong scent, which may deter some insects.

Special Uses

References   More on Other Uses

Cultivation details

Semi-deciduous Shrub. Artemisia californica is a plant of Mediterranean climates, characterised by hot, dry summers and mild, moist winters. It grows in areas where the mean annual precipitation is 250 - 450mm, with 90% of that falling in the cooler half of the year[1050 ]. The plant grows best where winter temperatures average 9 - 12°c and summer temperatures do not exceed 24 - 27°c, though the plant does experience both lower and higher temperatures[1050 ]. Species in this genus are generally easily grown, succeeding in a well-drained circumneutral or slightly alkaline loamy soil, preferring a sunny position[1, 200 ]. They tend to live longer, more hardy and more aromatic when grown in poor, dry soil[245 ]. Established plants are drought tolerant[692, 1050 ]. The plant responds well to regular pruning to keep it compact[692 ]. Several low-growing cultivars have been developed for ornamental use[692 ]. The leaves are highly aromatic due to terpenes[1050 ]. The aroma is like the culinary mints known as common sage (Salvia species)[270 ]. The smaller leaves remain wilted for long periods when the plant is under water stress and rehydrate within hours of rainfall[1050 ]; plants can resprout from the root crown after a fire[1050 ]. The plants are sensitive to atmospheric pollution[1050]. The native range of this species is from California to Mexico (Baja California). It grows primarily in the desert or dry shrubland biome [2-5]. Soil Texture: Thrives in light (sandy) or medium soils. It is highly adaptable to rocky and nutrient-poor soils. Soil Moisture: Prefers dry to moderately moist conditions. It is highly drought-tolerant once established and does not tolerate wet or waterlogged soils. Drainage: Requires well-drained soil. Poor drainage can lead to root rot. Soil pH: Tolerates a wide range of soil pH levels, from acidic to alkaline. Saline Tolerance: Can tolerate mild saline conditions, making it suitable for coastal gardens. Tolerance of Poor Soil: It is well-adapted to poor, rocky, or sandy soils and thrives in nutrient-deficient areas. Light Requirements: Requires full sun for optimal growth and development. It may tolerate very light shade but thrives best in open, sunny areas. Height: Typically grows to about 1–2 meters (3–6 feet) tall, with a spread of 2–3 meters (6–10 feet). Pollination: Pollinated primarily by wind, though it may attract some small insects to its inconspicuous flowers. Temperature: Native to California and hardy in USDA zones 7–10. It thrives in coastal sage scrub habitats and Mediterranean climates. Drought Tolerance: Extremely drought-tolerant and ideal for xeriscaping. Flowering: Produces small, pale yellow flowers in late summer to fall, though its aromatic, finely divided grey-green foliage is its main ornamental feature. Pests and Diseases: Generally pest-free and resistant to most diseases, though it may develop root rot in poorly drained or overly wet soils. The aerial parts can be harvested in summer when they are in full bloom, while roots can be harvested in autumn. Artemisia typically flowers in summer. Artemisia species can vary in growth rate, but many are moderately fast-growing, reaching maturity within 1-2 years under optimal conditions.

References   Carbon Farming Information and Carbon Sequestration Information

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Plant Propagation

Seed - surface sow ensuring the compost does not dry out[200 ]. When large enough to handle, prick the seedlings into individual pots. Plant out in late spring or early summer. Division in spring or autumn[200 ]. Basal cuttings in late spring. Harvest the young shoots about 10 - 15cm long, pot them up in a lightly shaded position, and plant them out when well rooted. It's very easy.

Other Names

If available other names are mentioned here

California sage brush

Native Range

Native to: California, Mexico Northwest [2-5].

Weed Potential

Right plant wrong place. We are currently updating this section. Please note that a plant may be invasive in one area but may not in your area so it’s worth checking.

None Known

Conservation Status

IUCN Red List of Threatened Plants Status : Not Available

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Artemisia ludovicianaWhite Sage, Louisiana Sage, Prairie Sage, Western MugwortPerennial1.0 4-9 MLMSNDM222
Artemisia ludoviciana gnaphalodesWhite SagePerennial1.0 4-8  LMSNDM021
Artemisia maritimaSea WormwoodShrub0.6 6-9  LMNDM121
Artemisia mexicanaMexican White SagebrushPerennial1.0 -  LMNDM01 
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Growth: S = slow M = medium F = fast. Soil: L = light (sandy) M = medium H = heavy (clay). pH: A = acid N = neutral B = basic (alkaline). Shade: F = full shade S = semi-shade N = no shade. Moisture: D = dry M = Moist We = wet Wa = water.

 

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A special thanks to Ken Fern for some of the information used on this page.

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Subject : Artemisia californica  
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