Alpine Sagebrush

Artemisia scopulorum

Native to:
United States

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Taxonomy

Division:
Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
Family:
Asteraceae
Genus:
Artemisia
Species:
Artemisia scopulorum
USDA Symbol:
ARSC

Growth Characteristics

Life Cycle:
Perennial
Growth Habit:
Forb/herb
Height:
50 cm
Light Requirements:
Full Sun
Drought Tolerance:
High
Bloom Months:
jul,aug,sep
Bloom Colors:
yellow
Landscaping Shrub:
Yes

Wildlife Benefits

Bees:
★☆☆☆☆ Documented bee visitation (GBIF)
Butterflies & Moths:
★☆☆☆☆ Documented Lepidoptera association (GBIF)

Keystone Species Ranking

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

Garden & Ecology Notes

Wildlife Value:
butterflies, native bees, small mammals
Deer Resistant:
Yes
Fragrant:
Yes
Fire Ecology:
Fire adapted — tolerates or benefits from fire
Fire Notes:
Resprouts vigorously from root crown after fire. Common in post-fire successional communities in montane and subalpine zones.

Soil Requirements

Soil Type:
rocky, well-drained, nutrient-poor soil
pH:
6.0 - 8.0 (slightly acidic to neutral)
Drainage:
excellent drainage required
Moisture:
dry to moderate
Notes:
native to rocky slopes and alpine regions

Propagation & Germination

Stratification:
Cold/moist stratification required — 30–60 days
Germination Time:
14–30 days
Notes:
Seeds require light for germination. Surface sow or barely cover. Variable germination is common in wild-collected seed.

Pre-treatment: None required

Establishment: A. scopulorum is found throughout the Rocky Mountains; from British Columbia and Alberta south to New Mexico.

Source: npn.rngr.net