Artemisia tridentata (Basin Big Sagebrush)

Artemisia tridentata is both one of the widest spread and economically important shrubs in the western U.S., most common in semiarid areas. The common name is Basin big sagebrush. It is an upright round or slightly spreading shrub. leafs are a silvery green and are narrowly triangular, 1-3 cm long, and most are three toothed at the tip, some younger leafs are completely smooth at the apex. The flower; is monoecious, small and yellow. Height ranges from three to ten feet (1-2 meters) plants in more mesic areas can grow to sixteen feet tall (5 meters). Their roots can acquire water from shallow and deep soil. This allows these native plants to be drought tolerant and allows them to compete with grasses. Basin big sagebrush is perennial with a C3 photosynthetic pathway. A. tridentata reproduces from seeds, and do not resprout after fire, however, they have prolific seed production and high germination rates which allow surviving plants to rapidly recognize disturbed areas. It is a very important plant to wildlife and domestic animals where it grows. It keeps its leaves year-round and is especially important in winter months when food choice is limited.

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