Sand Sagebrush

Artemisia filifolia

Native to:
Mexico, United States

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Taxonomy

Division:
Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
Family:
Asteraceae
Genus:
Artemisia
Species:
Artemisia filifolia
USDA Symbol:
ARFI2

Growth Characteristics

Life Cycle:
Perennial
Growth Habit:
Shrub , Subshrub
Height:
120 cm
Light Requirements:
Part Shade
Drought Tolerance:
High
Bloom Months:
aug,sep,oct
Landscaping Shrub:
Yes

Wildlife Benefits

Caterpillars:
★☆☆☆☆ Recorded caterpillar host plant (HOSTS Database)

Keystone Species Ranking

Caterpillar Keystone:
★★★★☆ Butterfly & moth species supported by this genus (NWF)

Host Plant for Caterpillars

Buck Moth (Hemileuca maia), Hera buckmoth (Hemileuca hera)

Reported Fauna Sightings

Moths:Gnorimoschema octomaculella

Garden & Ecology Notes

Wildlife Value:
birds, small mammals, sage grouse
Deer Resistant:
Yes
Salt Tolerant:
Yes
Fragrant:
Yes
Fire Ecology:
Fire adapted — tolerates or benefits from fire
Fire Notes:
Resprouts vigorously from root crown after fire. Common in fire-prone habitats and increases in dominance following disturbance or overgrazing.

Soil Requirements

Soil Type:
sandy, well-drained, nutrient-poor soil
pH:
6.0 - 8.0 (neutral to slightly alkaline)
Drainage:
excellent drainage required
Moisture:
dry to moderate
Notes:
Commonly found in arid and semi-arid regions.

Propagation & Germination

Stratification:
Cold/moist stratification required — 30–60 days
Germination Time:
14–30 days
Notes:
Seeds require light for germination and should be surface-sown. Germination can be erratic and may benefit from cool temperatures.

The above propagation data sourced from Claude AI