Description
Artemisia tridentata ssp. wyomingensis,
Wyoming Big Sagebrush (Native)
Small to medium, 1 – 3 ft. tall, long-lived evergreen shrub distributed throughout much of the western US. The most drought-tolerant of the subspecies growing on sites from 7 – 20 inch precip. zones. Adapted to well-drained, shallow, coarse to fine textured soils on lower slopes, bench-lands and foothills from 2,500 – 7,500 ft. elev. Tolerates low soil fertility and weak saline soils. Usually rated as poor cattle, fair to good sheep, and fair to good deer and antelope forage. Extremely important food and cover for sage grouse. Nearly 100 birds species depend on the sagebrush ecosystem and many reptile and small mammals including pygmy rabbits. It provides not only forage but thermal and security cover for quality habitat. Extremely valuable shrub for range and wildlife habitat improvement including wildfire restoration. Also very valuable shrub for mining and related soil disturbing activities restoration. Minimum precip. is 7 – 10 inches. Plant in fall or winter on top of rough surface or snow to ¼ inch deep. 1,750,000 seeds/lb.
USDA: Plant Profile | Plant Guide
