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Sagebrush

Sagebrush refers to a group of aromatic, perennial shrubs in the genus Artemisia (family Asteraceae), consisting of approximately 500 species worldwide, with around 20 to 30 woody species native to North America that are commonly known as sagebrushes.^[1] These plants are characterized by their silvery-gray, resinous foliage, wedge-shaped leaves often divided into three lobes, and small, yellowish flower heads arranged in panicles, with most species being evergreen and adapted to harsh, dry environments.^[2] The most ecologically and culturally significant species is big sagebrush (Artemisia tridentata), a rounded or spreading shrub typically reaching 3 to 10 feet (1 to 3 meters) in height, with a lifespan of up to 100 years and a deep root system that accesses moisture from various soil depths.^[3] Big sagebrush and related species dominate expansive sagebrush steppe ecosystems across western North America, covering approximately 70 million hectares (175 million acres) from the Great Basin and Columbia Plateau eastward to the Rocky Mountains, and from southern Canada to northern Mexico.^[4] They thrive in semiarid to arid climates with 10 to 18 inches (250 to 460 mm) of annual precipitation, primarily in winter, on well-drained soils ranging from deep valleys at elevations of 100 feet (30 meters) to high foothills up to 7,000 feet (2,140 meters).^[3] Subspecies such as basin big sagebrush (A. t. subsp. tridentata), Wyoming big sagebrush (A. t. subsp. wyomingensis), and mountain big sagebrush (A. t. subsp. vaseyana) exhibit adaptations to specific conditions, including tolerance to drought, cold winters, and periodic fires, often forming climax communities with associated grasses like bluebunch wheatgrass (Pseudoroegneria spicata) and forbs such as broom snakeweed (Gutierrezia sarothrae).^[3]^[5] Ecologically, sagebrush plays a pivotal role in maintaining biodiversity in these fragile rangelands, serving as a primary winter forage and cover for herbivores including mule deer (Odocoileus hemionus), elk (Cervus canadensis), pronghorn (Antilocapra americana), and the greater sage grouse (Centrocercus urophasianus), a species of high conservation concern, while also stabilizing soils and supporting understory plant diversity.^[3]^[6] Human interactions with sagebrush date back millennia, with Indigenous peoples using it for medicinal teas to treat colds and stomach ailments, as a source of soap and disinfectant from its leaves, for weaving baskets and clothing from its fibers, and as fuel.^[7] In modern contexts, sagebrush habitats face threats from invasive species, wildfire, and land conversion, underscoring their importance for conservation and restoration efforts in western rangelands.^[4]

Taxonomy and Classification

Genus Overview

Sagebrush refers to the woody shrubs and subshrubs belonging to the subgenus Tridentatae (Nutt.) McArthur within the genus Artemisia L., which is classified in the family Asteraceae, subfamily Asteroideae, tribe Anthemideae, and subtribe Artemisiinae.^[8]^[9] The genus Artemisia encompasses approximately 500 species (505 accepted as of 2025) worldwide, predominantly distributed in the Northern Hemisphere, with sagebrush specifically denoting the North American taxa adapted to arid and semi-arid environments.^[10]^[11] These plants are distinguished from related genera in the Asteraceae by their wind-pollinated, discoid flower heads lacking ray florets and their overall ecological specialization for dry habitats.^[12] The evolutionary history of Artemisia traces back to the mid-Tertiary period, with origins likely in the arid or subarid regions of temperate Asia during the Oligocene to Miocene epochs, where the genus underwent significant diversification in response to expanding dry climates. A 2025 global phylogeny confirms the genus's Asian origins and diversification, recognizing 505 species across 8 subgenera including Tridentatae, with evidence of widespread hybridization.^[13]^[11] Fossil pollen records indicate an initial appearance in the Eocene-Oligocene boundary, followed by a marked expansion across Asia and into North America during the Miocene, driven by adaptations such as drought tolerance and chemical defenses that enabled colonization of steppe and desert ecosystems.^[14] This radiation contributed to the genus's prominence in arid biomes today, with the North American sagebrush lineages diverging around 10–11 million years ago from Asian ancestors.^[15] Key distinguishing traits of sagebrush include their strong aromatic scent, derived from essential oils such as camphor (often comprising 20–50% of the oil content) and thujone (varying from trace amounts to up to 76% in some populations, especially in mountain big sagebrush), which serve as chemical defenses against herbivores and pathogens.^[16]^[17] The foliage exhibits a characteristic silvery-gray appearance due to dense coverings of trichomes—fine, woolly hairs that reduce water loss and reflect intense sunlight in harsh environments.^[18]^[19] These features contribute to the plants' resilience, forming rounded, evergreen shrubs typically 0.5–4 meters tall with wedge-shaped leaves. Taxonomic challenges in sagebrush arise from frequent hybridization among species and subspecies, particularly within Artemisia tridentata Nutt., where intergradation blurs boundaries and has led to debates over the recognition of up to six subspecies based on ploidy levels, morphology, and chemistry.^[20]^[21] For instance, hybrids between subspecies tridentata and vaseyana (Rydb.) Beetle exhibit clinal variation in terpene profiles, complicating delineation and requiring integrated genetic and ecological analyses for accurate classification.^[22] Such hybridization reflects the genus's dynamic evolutionary processes in fragmented habitats.^[11]

Key Species

Big sagebrush (Artemisia tridentata) is the most widespread and abundant species within the sagebrush genus, dominating vast expanses of the Intermountain West and covering over 60 million acres of rangelands across multiple states.^[23] It is recognized for its ecological significance and includes several key subspecies adapted to regional variations, such as basin big sagebrush (A. t. tridentata), which thrives in deep, well-drained soils of the Great Basin; Wyoming big sagebrush (A. t. wyomingensis), common in drier, more arid sites; and mountain big sagebrush (A. t. vaseyana), found in higher-elevation, moister environments.^[3]^[24] Other notable North American sagebrush species include black sagebrush (A. nova), which is distributed throughout the southwestern United States and forms low, rounded shrubs in arid regions; low sagebrush (A. arbuscula), a smaller-statured species prevalent in the Intermountain area and often associated with coarse soils; fringed sagebrush (A. frigida), the most widely distributed Artemisia species across the northern hemisphere and known for its mat-forming growth; and silver sagebrush (A. cana), characterized by its silvery foliage and occurrence in alkaline or saline soils of the western plains.^[25]^[26] The nomenclature of sagebrush species traces back to the establishment of the genus Artemisia by Carl Linnaeus in 1753, with A. tridentata specifically described by Thomas Nuttall in 1841 based on specimens from the Lewis and Clark expedition.^[9] Subsequent taxonomic revisions in the 20th century, notably by Arthur Cronquist and collaborators in the Intermountain Flora (1994), refined the classification of subspecies and related taxa within subgenus Tridentatae, incorporating morphological and distributional data to address historical ambiguities.^[27] Genetic diversity in sagebrush is influenced by polyploidy, particularly in A. tridentata, where populations exhibit variations in ploidy levels such as diploid (2n=18) and tetraploid (2n=36), contributing to adaptive differences among subspecies and occasional hybridization events.^[28] These polyploid forms arise from genome duplication, with diploids often showing higher growth rates and seed production compared to tetraploids, enhancing overall species resilience.^[29]

Description

Morphological Features

Sagebrush plants, belonging to the genus Artemisia in the subgenus Tridentatae, are woody perennial shrubs typically ranging from 0.5 to 3 meters in height, with multi-branched structures that form rounded or spire-like shapes depending on the species and environmental conditions.^[27] These shrubs often exhibit spreading branches arising from numerous main stems near the base in lower-elevation subspecies or from a single trunk in taller forms, contributing to their dense, evergreen canopy that persists through harsh winters.^[30] The overall form varies slightly among key species, such as the taller, more upright Artemisia tridentata compared to the compact A. nova.^[27] Leaves are a defining feature, generally wedge-shaped and evergreen in most species, measuring 1 to 5 cm in length and covered with fine, white or silvery hairs that impart a grayish-blue hue and minimize transpiration in arid settings.^[30] In A. tridentata (big sagebrush), leaves are tridentate with three distinct lobes at the apex, while other species like A. cana have narrower, less lobed forms; these leaves are spirally arranged and densely packed on younger growth.^[27] Stems are grayish-brown with fibrous bark that becomes rough and shredding with age, and younger stems are pubescent, enhancing their aromatic quality through resinous secretions.^[30] Inflorescences consist of small, inconspicuous yellow-green flower heads (capitula) arranged in panicles that can overtop the plant or spread throughout the crown, with each head 2 to 5 mm in diameter and lacking ray florets.^[27] These discoid heads contain 3 to 18 perfect florets, and the plants exhibit dioecious or monoecious flowering patterns, producing small achenes for seed dispersal.^[30] Key adaptations for survival in dry environments include deep root systems, with taproots extending up to 3 to 4 meters to access subsurface water, complemented by shallow lateral roots for surface moisture capture.^[31] Additionally, resinous glands on leaves and stems secrete volatile oils that deter herbivores and reduce water loss, while the hairy pubescence further conserves moisture by reflecting sunlight and trapping humidity.^[30]

Growth and Reproduction

Sagebrush species, particularly big sagebrush (Artemisia tridentata), exhibit slow growth patterns, with initial seedling height increases of about 10-13 cm during the first spring under favorable arid conditions, accelerating slightly as plants establish.^[3] Plants reach reproductive maturity in 2-3 years but take 10-20 years to attain full size, growing to heights of 1-3 m depending on subspecies and site conditions. Longevity varies by subspecies, with basin big sagebrush commonly living 40-50 years and some individuals exceeding 100 years on harsh sites.^[32]^[3] Flowering in sagebrush occurs from late summer to fall, typically August to October, producing small, inconspicuous inflorescences. The plants are wind-pollinated, and many populations are dioecious, with male and female flowers on separate individuals, though some self-pollination can occur. This reproductive strategy ensures cross-pollination in open, windy habitats typical of sagebrush ecosystems.^[3] Seed production is prolific in mature plants, with each big sagebrush capable of yielding 100,000 to over 500,000 seeds annually under favorable conditions, though output varies with age, nutrition, and climate.^[33] Seeds are small, weighing 0.5-1 mg, and exhibit physiological dormancy, resulting in low initial viability of 20-50% without treatment. Dormancy is a key adaptation to prevent germination during unpredictable dry periods.^[30]^[34] Germination and establishment require cold stratification for 4-6 weeks at 1-5°C to break dormancy, followed by spring moisture post-snowmelt for seedling emergence. Even under optimal conditions, first-year mortality is high, often exceeding 90% due to drought stress and competition. Successful establishment is enhanced under the canopy of mature plants, where microsite conditions provide shade and moisture retention.^[3]^[35] Asexual reproduction through root sprouting occurs in some sagebrush species following disturbance, but big sagebrush (A. tridentata) regenerates primarily from seed and does not resprout. This vegetative propagation supplements sexual reproduction but is less common than seed-based regeneration in big sagebrush.^[36]

Habitat and Distribution

Geographic Range

Sagebrush, particularly the dominant species Artemisia tridentata, is primarily distributed across western North America, extending from British Columbia in Canada southward to Baja California in Mexico, and eastward to the Dakotas and western Nebraska.^[20]^[2] This vast range encompasses arid and semi-arid interiors, where sagebrush forms extensive shrublands. It is most dominant in the Great Basin, Columbia Plateau, and Colorado Plateau, occupying key zonal areas within these intermountain regions, while being notably absent from humid coastal zones along the Pacific and Gulf coasts.^[37]^[3] Historically, sagebrush ecosystems covered approximately 62 million hectares across western North America prior to European settlement, representing one of the largest contiguous shrubland types in the continent. Since the 1800s, however, agricultural expansion, livestock grazing, and associated land conversions have fragmented this extent, reducing it to approximately 30-35 million hectares as of 2024, with ongoing losses of about 0.53 million hectares per year due to invasive species and altered fire regimes exacerbating the decline.^[38]^[39]^[40] While true sagebrush species of the subgenus Tridentatae are endemic to North America, related Artemisia species occur in Eurasia and parts of South America, highlighting the genus's broader global presence but distinguishing North American sagebrush as a unique biogeographic element.^[41]

Environmental Preferences

Sagebrush thrives in arid to semi-arid climates characterized by annual precipitation ranging from 150 to 400 mm, primarily occurring in winter and spring to support growth during the dormant season.^[20] These regions typically experience cold winters with minimum temperatures reaching -20°C and hot summers with maxima up to 40°C, reflecting the plant's adaptation to continental climate extremes in the Intermountain West.^[3] Elevational preferences span 500 to 3,000 meters, where cooler temperatures at higher altitudes align with increased moisture availability from orographic effects.^[20] Sagebrush favors well-drained soils, such as sandy or loamy textures with low organic matter content, which prevent root rot in moisture-scarce environments.^[20] It tolerates a broad soil pH range of 5.9 to 10.0 and exhibits high tolerance to salinity (ECe >8 dS/m), though extreme levels may affect seedling establishment.^[20]^[42] The plant is highly intolerant of waterlogging, as prolonged soil saturation disrupts aeration and leads to physiological stress.^[3] Topographically, sagebrush occupies open flats, gentle slopes, and valleys that receive ample sunlight and minimal competition from taller vegetation, avoiding shaded or densely forested areas that reduce light penetration.^[20] These exposed positions facilitate wind dispersal of seeds and enhance snow trapping for winter moisture retention. Regarding tolerance limits, sagebrush demonstrates strong drought resistance through osmotic adjustment, where leaf tissues accumulate solutes to maintain turgor under water stress, enabling survival in precipitation-limited habitats.^[43] However, it remains sensitive to prolonged flooding, which can cause root damage, and to extreme frost heaving in fine-textured soils, particularly affecting young plants during winter thaw-freeze cycles.^[44]

Ecology

Ecosystem Role

Sagebrush serves as a foundational species in arid and semi-arid ecosystems, particularly within the sagebrush steppe, where it dominates the vegetation structure and influences community composition. In these landscapes, sagebrush typically comprises 20-80% of the canopy cover, varying by site conditions such as soil moisture and elevation, creating a mosaic of open shrublands interspersed with bunchgrasses and forbs.^[45] This dominance provides essential microhabitats under its canopy, moderating temperature extremes and retaining moisture to support understory plants like bluebunch wheatgrass (Pseudoroegneria spicata) and Idaho fescue (Festuca idahoensis), which would otherwise struggle in exposed conditions.^[3] The root systems of sagebrush play a critical role in soil dynamics, extending deeply to anchor soil particles and prevent erosion in windy, low-precipitation environments. These extensive roots, often reaching depths of over 2 meters, stabilize sandy or loamy soils common in steppe habitats, reducing surface runoff and sediment loss during infrequent but intense storms.^[3] Additionally, sagebrush forms symbiotic associations with arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi, such as species in the genus Glomus, which enhance nutrient uptake, particularly phosphorus, and contribute to nitrogen cycling through improved decomposition of organic matter in the rhizosphere.^[3] Litter from sagebrush decomposes slowly due to high lignin content and arid conditions, leading to gradual accumulation of organic layers over decades that build soil fertility and structure.^[46] Sagebrush also contributes significantly to carbon sequestration in arid ecosystems, storing approximately 10-30 tons of carbon in biomass per hectare, much of which persists due to slow turnover rates. This biomass, combined with soil organic carbon pools enriched by litter inputs and estimated at up to 67 tons of carbon per hectare in intact stands, positions sagebrush steppe as an important component of global dryland carbon storage.^[47]^[48] In terms of ecological succession, sagebrush regenerates following disturbance such as fire through wind-dispersed seeds or resprouting in certain subspecies, providing structure that facilitates the reestablishment of perennial grasses and stabilizes recovering soils over time, though full recovery can take decades in the absence of competitive invasives.^[3]^[49]

Wildlife Interactions

Sagebrush serves as a primary forage source for several herbivorous wildlife species in North American shrub-steppe ecosystems, particularly during winter when other vegetation is scarce. The greater sage-grouse (Centrocercus urophasianus) relies heavily on sagebrush leaves and buds for nearly all of its diet during winter, providing essential nutrients and cover for brood-rearing.^[50] Pronghorn (Antilocapra americana) and mule deer (Odocoileus hemionus) also consume sagebrush as a key winter browse, with mule deer selecting it based on palatability influenced by terpene concentrations that deter excessive intake to prevent toxicity.^[51] These terpenes, such as camphor and thujone, act as chemical defenses that limit overconsumption by herbivores, balancing nutritional benefits with potential digestive issues.^[52] While sagebrush reproduction is primarily anemophilous, with wind serving as the main pollination vector for its inconspicuous flowers, various insects including bees (Hymenoptera) visit the inflorescences, potentially aiding secondary pollination or consuming pollen.^[53] Seed dispersal occurs mainly via wind due to the achenes' pappus-like structures, but rodents such as kangaroo rats (Dipodomys spp.) and birds like vesper sparrows (Pooecetes gramineus) contribute by caching or transporting seeds, influencing recruitment patterns in patchy habitats.^[54] These interactions enhance sagebrush persistence while providing food resources for dispersers. Sagebrush provides critical shelter and habitat structure for small mammals, including black-tailed jackrabbits (Lepus californicus), which use its dense branches for cover from predators and thermal regulation in harsh environments.^[55] Its chemical defenses, particularly volatile terpenes released upon herbivory, not only deter further browsing but also signal neighboring plants to upregulate defenses, indirectly shaping food web dynamics by altering herbivore behavior and predator-prey interactions.^[56] Declines in sagebrush cover serve as an indicator of broader ecosystem health issues, as evidenced by studies linking habitat loss to reduced greater sage-grouse populations, where sagebrush density directly correlates with lek persistence and reproductive success.^[57] This relationship underscores sagebrush's role in signaling disturbances like wildfire or invasion that cascade through wildlife communities.^[58]

Human Uses

Traditional and Cultural Significance

Sagebrush (Artemisia tridentata), a dominant shrub in the Great Basin region, has held profound traditional and cultural importance for indigenous peoples since pre-Columbian times, serving as a multifaceted resource integral to the daily lives and spiritual practices of tribes such as the Shoshone and Paiute.^[59] These communities, adapted to the arid landscapes where sagebrush thrives, incorporated the plant into their ethnobotanical knowledge systems, as evidenced by records from 19th-century ethnographers documenting its roles among Numic-speaking groups, underscoring its enduring symbolism of resilience in harsh environments.^[59] In medicinal applications, Shoshone and Paiute tribes prepared teas from sagebrush leaves to treat colds, stomach ailments, and as a diuretic, leveraging the plant's bitter compounds for their therapeutic effects.^[60] Poultices made from the leaves were applied externally to wounds and skin conditions, drawing on the plant's documented dermatological benefits.^[60] Ceremonially, sagebrush played a vital role in purification rituals among Great Basin tribes, where bundles of the plant were burned as smudge to cleanse people, spaces, and objects of negative energies, fostering spiritual balance.^[61] It also featured symbolically in storytelling, portraying the plant as an emblem of endurance and adaptation, as captured in narratives recorded by early ethnographers among the Shoshone and Paiute.^[59] Practically, sagebrush provided fuelwood, with its aromatic wood and shredded bark serving as reliable tinder and firewood for cooking and warmth in tribal encampments.^[60] The bark was utilized for thatching and weaving into mats or insulation for shelters, while leaves yielded a yellow-to-gold dye for coloring basketry and fabrics, enhancing the aesthetic and functional aspects of indigenous crafts.^[61]

Modern and Economic Applications

In contemporary applications, research on the genus Artemisia, including A. tridentata, also indicates potential insecticidal effects from volatile oils, which inhibit stored-grain pests and exhibit repellent qualities.^[62] Post-2000 investigations have identified anti-inflammatory compounds such as flavonoids and sesquiterpenes in sagebrush, supporting its evaluation for pharmacological uses in reducing inflammation, though clinical applications remain exploratory.^[63] In agriculture, sagebrush plays a key role in rangeland forage management, providing winter browse for livestock and wildlife, with its nutritional value enhancing grazing systems in arid western North America.^[64] Essential oils from sagebrush are commercially extracted for use in perfumes and flavorings, where eucalyptol contributes to herbaceous and camphoraceous notes in cosmetics and consumer products.^[16] For ecological restoration, sagebrush seeds are sourced from local populations for revegetation projects, particularly after wildfires, to rebuild habitat structure and support biodiversity in the Great Basin.^[65]^[4] Genomic studies since the 2010s have sequenced the sagebrush draft genome to hypothesize drought-tolerance mechanisms, informing bioengineering efforts to develop resilient varieties or transfer traits to drought-sensitive crops.^[66] Economically, rangelands, including those dominated by sagebrush, underpin a significant portion of the U.S. grazing industry, with annual forage production on federal and private grazing lands estimated at $3.8 billion (as of 2021).^[67] Since the 2010s, sagebrush-derived natural products, including essential oils, have gained traction in the wellness and aromatherapy markets, adding niche revenue streams to rural economies.^[16]

Conservation

Major Threats

Sagebrush ecosystems face significant threats from habitat loss primarily driven by conversion to cropland and urban development, resulting in an approximately 50% decline in sagebrush rangelands since the arrival of European settlers in the 1800s.^[68] This fragmentation disrupts the contiguous landscapes essential for sagebrush-dependent species and reduces overall ecosystem resilience.^[69] Conifer encroachment, particularly pinyon-juniper woodlands, has increased up to 600% since the 1800s, invading and fragmenting sagebrush habitats, reducing understory diversity, and increasing fire intensity.^[70] Invasive annual grasses, such as cheatgrass (Bromus tectorum), introduced to North America in the mid- to late 1800s as contaminants in grain shipments, have extensively colonized sagebrush habitats, outcompeting native vegetation and altering soil conditions.^[71] By the end of the 19th century, cheatgrass had become widespread in the Great Basin, promoting a cycle of disturbance that further degrades sagebrush cover.^[72] Altered fire regimes pose a major threat, with invasive grasses serving as fine fuels that increase fire frequency and intensity in sagebrush ecosystems, where natural fire return intervals historically spanned 20–100 years.^[73] Sagebrush species are highly susceptible to fire mortality, often failing to resprout, and post-fire recovery can take 20–50 years under favorable conditions, leaving habitats vulnerable to further invasion.^[74] Overgrazing by livestock, intensified since the late 1800s with the expansion of cattle and sheep ranching, reduces understory vegetation, exposes soils to erosion, and diminishes sagebrush regeneration.^[75] Climate change exacerbates these pressures through prolonged droughts and shifting precipitation patterns, with projections indicating reduced water availability in sagebrush regions that could intensify grazing impacts.^[73] Additional stressors include herbicide applications historically used for sagebrush control, as well as mining and energy development activities that have fragmented approximately 10 million acres (4 million hectares) of prime habitat.^[76] These developments create barriers to wildlife movement and degrade soil and water quality in affected areas.^[69]

Protection and Management

Protection and management of sagebrush ecosystems in the United States emphasize legal frameworks, restoration techniques, research initiatives, and successful conservation projects to maintain habitat integrity for associated species and ecological functions. The greater sage-grouse, a key indicator species for sagebrush health, has not been listed under the Endangered Species Act (ESA) due to landscape-scale conservation efforts, though populations continue to decline and require ongoing monitoring as of 2025.^[77] These efforts include federal and state plans that address habitat loss, with updates to resource management plans in 2025 across 10 western states, including finalized amendments that have been criticized for reducing protections in some areas while aiming to balance conservation and development.^[78]^[79] The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) oversees approximately 50% of the remaining sage-grouse habitat, totaling about 67 million acres, through resource management plans that prioritize sagebrush conservation, grazing controls, and development restrictions.^[80] Restoration methods for sagebrush ecosystems post-fire or disturbance commonly involve seeding native species mixes at rates of 10-20 kg/ha to accelerate perennial vegetation recovery and reduce invasive grass dominance.^[81] Prescribed burns are employed to mimic natural fire cycles, enhancing soil health, reducing fuel loads, and promoting diverse understory growth in sagebrush rangelands, particularly during fall when conditions allow for controlled intensity.^[82] Fencing, including traditional and virtual systems, is used to manage livestock grazing intensity, preventing overgrazing that exacerbates erosion and habitat degradation while creating fuel breaks to mitigate wildfire risks.^[83] Research initiatives support these efforts through genetic seed banks and climate-adaptive models. The USDA's Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) Plant Materials Program, established in the 1930s, has developed and maintained seed collections of adapted sagebrush varieties for restoration, ensuring genetic diversity for resilient plantings.^[84] Climate-adaptive management models integrate projections of warming and altered precipitation to guide habitat prioritization, such as identifying vulnerable sagebrush stands and recommending drought-tolerant seed sources.^[85] A notable success story is Wyoming's sagebrush conservation easements, which have protected over 1.5 million acres of private lands as of 2016, with continued expansion through voluntary programs as of 2025, through candidate conservation agreements with assured benefits (CCAAs) and other voluntary programs, preserving core habitat for sage-grouse and preventing fragmentation from development.^[86] These easements, often funded by federal partnerships, demonstrate scalable private-landowner collaboration in maintaining sagebrush integrity across large landscapes.

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[30]
[PDF] Sagebrush - Idaho Parks and Recreation
Sagebrush has a long taproot which helps it absorb water from a depth as deep as 13 feet. • Sagebrush produces chemicals when ... (Artemisia Tridentata)
[31]
Plant Profile - Characteristics - USDA Plants Database
Growth Form, Multiple Stem. Growth Rate, Slow. Height at 20 Years, Maximum (feet), 3. Height, Mature (feet), 4.0. Known Allelopath, No. Leaf Retention, Yes.Missing: longevity | Show results with:longevity
[32]
Germination Response of Artemisia tridentata (Asteraceae) to Light ...
Cold winter collections required up to 98 d to germinate to 50% at 1 C in light, whereas warm winter collections germinated to 50% in as little as 16 d. There ...
[33]
[PDF] Investigating Seed Longevity of Big Sagebrush (Artemisia tridentata)
The Intermountain West is dominated by big sagebrush communities (Artemisia tridentata subspecies) that provide habitat and forage for wildlife, prevent ...
[34]
Artemisia tridentata subsp. wyomingensis - USDA Forest Service
In a laboratory, Wyoming big sagebrush germination required 3 to 6 days at most temperatures tested, except it required 13 days at the coldest temperatures ...
[35]
Sagebrush Ecosystems – Rangeland Ecosystems of the Western US
Fringed sage forms distinctive mounds, and it is the most widely distributed of all the species of Artemisia. It is found throughout the northern hemisphere ...<|control11|><|separator|>
[36]
Repeated fires reduce plant diversity in low‐elevation Wyoming big ...
Feb 1, 2019 · Sagebrush is one of the most imperiled ecosystems in western North America, having lost about half of its original 62 million hectare extent.
[37]
The Sagebrush Sea Is Vanishing - The Nature Conservancy
Oct 5, 2025 · Sagebrush Sea Historic and Current Range The Sagebrush Sea once covered 500,000 square miles across the Dakotas and into California. Today, the ...
[38]
Artemisia (Genus) - an overview | ScienceDirect Topics
The genus Artemisia is defined as a large group within the Asteraceae family, encompassing approximately 500 species primarily found in temperate climates, ...
[39]
[PDF] Soil Salinity and Ornamental Plant Selection - DigitalCommons@USU
Nov 1, 2008 · Salinity tolerance. High. ECe > 8. Moderate. ECe 4-8. Low. ECe < 4. Artemisia nova. Black sagebrush x. Artemisia tridentata. Big Sagebrush x.
[40]
Osmotic relations of the drought‐tolerant shrub Artemisia tridentata ...
The decreases in osmotic potentials were not the result of osmotic adjustment (i.e. solute accumulation). Leaf solute contents decreased during drought, but ...
[41]
[PDF] Germination and establishment ecology of big sagebrush
Many seedling deaths attributed to frost may ac- tually be a result of damping-off diseases or mechanical damage associated with frost heaving. Drought is a ...
[42]
[PDF] Restoration Handbook for Sagebrush Steppe Ecosystems with ...
Each of these changes alters the primary way a sagebrush landscape functions by altering for example, soil stability, nutrient cycling, water infiltration and ...Missing: sequestration | Show results with:sequestration
[43]
[PDF] monitoring the recovery of sagebrush steppe plant communities
Sagebrush carrying out hydraulic lift enhances surface soil nitrogen cycling and nitrogen uptake into inflorescences. ... Grass invasion causes rapid increases in ...<|control11|><|separator|>
[44]
[PDF] Is Climate Change Mitigation the Best Use of Desert Shrublands?
hectare for aboveground biomass C, 8.6 to 26.4 metric tons per hectare for belowground biomass C, and 9.8 to 32.8 metric tons per hectare for total biomass C.
[45]
[PDF] A Conservation Paradox in the Great Basin—Altering Sagebrush ...
Mar 14, 2018 · Post-fire recovery to mature sagebrush conditions after fire was probably a slow process that typically required several decades or more, ...
[46]
[PDF] Sagebrush-Ungulate Relationships on the Northern Yellowstone ...
Table 1—Mule deer preference for seven compounds found in four sage- brush taxa. All seven significantly influence intake and are listed in decreasing order as ...
[47]
Supplemental energy and protein increase use of sagebrush by sheep
Aug 7, 2025 · The ability of sheep to consume big sagebrush (Artemisia tridentata Nutt.), a shrub that contains terpenes, may be improved with ...
[48]
Pollen dispersal by Artemisia tridentata (Asteraceae) - ResearchGate
Pollen dispersal by Artemisia tridentata (Asteraceae). September 2007; International Journal of Biometeorology 51(6):465-81. DOI:10.1007/s00484-007-0086-7.
[49]
Native seed preferences of shrub-steppe rodents, birds and ants
Seeds of big sagebrush (Artemisia tridentata), cheatgrass (Bromus tectorum) ... Seed dispersal in relation to rodent activities in seral big sagebrush communities.
[50]
[PDF] Big sagebrush | Montana FWP
Elk, jackrabbits, and many other birds and small mammals rely on big sagebrush in varying de- grees for food and shelter. One biologist calls sagebrush ...
[51]
volatile chemotypes of sagebrush - New Phytologist Foundation
May 12, 2014 · Variations in the essential oil composition of Artemisia pedemontana gathered in Spain: chemotype camphor-1,8-cineole and chemotype davanone.
[52]
Wildfire, climate, and invasive grass interactions negatively impact ...
Oct 25, 2016 · The greater sage-grouse is a sagebrush-obligate species whose populations generally track declines in sagebrush, and is highly influential ...
[53]
Invasion of annual grasses following wildfire corresponds to ...
Greater sage-grouse (Centrocercus urophasianus; hereafter, sage-grouse) are considered an indicator of sagebrush ecosystem health and have experienced ...
[54]
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/BF01036734
[55]
Artemisia tridentata Nutt. - Native American Ethnobotany Database
Artemisia tridentata Nutt. Common names: Big Sagebrush Species details (USDA): USDA ARTRT. Documented uses. 216 uses documentedMissing: Shoshone | Show results with:Shoshone
[56]
[PDF] What's the difference between sage and sagebrush?
Native Americans of the high desert West have used sagebrush for thousands of years for medicine, ceremony, fiber, dye, and more. Medicine. Many tribes ...<|separator|>
[57]
The Artemisia L. Genus: A Review of Bioactive Essential Oils - MDPI
The leaves of this plant are widely used in traditional medicine as a decoction for their antivenin, anti-inflammatory, anti-rrheumatic and antimicrobial ...
[58]
North American Artemisia species from the subgenus Tridentatae ...
The reported uses of these species by Native American and First Nations peoples include analgesic, antiinflammatory, antiseptic, immunostimulation activity, as ...Missing: applications | Show results with:applications
[59]
Bioactive Compounds and Health Benefits of Artemisia Species
Jul 24, 2019 · Artemisia has been used traditionally for malaria, hepatitis, cancer, inflammation, and menstrual disorders, and has anti-inflammatory, ...
[60]
[PDF] BIG SAGEBRUSH - Artemisia tridentata Nuttall
Ploidy levels often differ among subspecies and may differ among ... 2n = 18 or 36. Parish's big sagebrush is an uncommon taxon restricted to dry ...
[61]
[PDF] Reseeding big sagebrush: techniques and issues
peratures are low, and frost heaving has ceased (Deitschman ... Germination response of Artemisia tridentata to light and chill: patterns of between-population ...
[62]
A draft genome provides hypotheses on drought tolerance in a ...
4.1. Providing a draft genome to investigate drought tolerance. A first draft genome for Artemisia tridentata, a keystone species of western North America, was ...Missing: bioengineering | Show results with:bioengineering
[63]
An economic valuation of federal and private grazing land ...
The combined total of these estimates was $24.5 billion, of which 35% originated from federal rangelands and 65% from private rangelands and pasture. This value ...
[64]
[PDF] A Sagebrush Conservation Design to Proactively Restore America's ...
Sep 22, 2022 · spp. (sagebrush) rangelands has declined by approximately 50 percent since the arrival of European settlers in the 1800s (Schroeder and others, ...
[65]
Sagebrush conservation strategy—Challenges to sagebrush ...
Mar 11, 2021 · Topics covered include altered fire regimes, invasive plant species, conifer expansion, overabundant free-roaming equids, and human land uses, ...Missing: major | Show results with:major
[66]
What is cheatgrass and how is it harmful? - USGS.gov
Cheatgrass (Bromus tectorum) originated in Europe or Eurasia and was introduced to the US in the mid- to late-1800s as a contaminant in seed and straw.Missing: 1890s | Show results with:1890s
[67]
[PDF] Cheatgrass (Bromus tectorum L) dominance in the Great Basin Desert
Evidence suggests that cheatgrass was introduced accidentally to the Great Basin as a grain contaminant at the end of the 19th century at the same time that ...
[68]
Climate Change Connections: Utah (Sagebrush Ecosystems)
Sagebrush itself, and the grasses that grow alongside it, are food for a variety of animals, including cattle, sheep, mule deer, elk, and jackrabbits. It's ...Missing: mammals | Show results with:mammals
[69]
Utah's Watershed Restoration Initiative
... sagebrush sites to an annual/perennial grassland dominated site for approximately 20-50 years until the sagebrush re-establishes. The encroachment of pinyon ...
[70]
A brief history of sagebrush management in the Great Basin
By 1974, over 1.8 million hectares (around 4.5 million acres) of federally administered public land had been treated for sagebrush control in Idaho, Montana, ...
[71]
[PDF] Greater Sage Grouse Ruling - Mining, 021121
Feb 11, 2021 · We support the recommendations for mineral withdrawal in SFAs that would remove potential impacts on approximately 4 million ha (10 million ac).
[72]
Changes to Habitat Plans Released for Comment as Greater Sage ...
Sep 4, 2025 · The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) released the proposed changes to updated resource management plans this week to guide development, grazing, ...
[73]
BLM finalizes sage grouse protection proposal, seeks public input
Nov 8, 2024 · The proposal applies to 69 million acres of BLM-managed public lands across 10 states, including about 10 million acres in Oregon. The BLM ...
[74]
Greater Sage-Grouse | Bureau of Land Management
The BLM manages the largest single share of greater sage-grouse habitat in the United States – nearly 65 million of 145 million acres total.
[75]
Spring precipitation amount and timing predict restoration success in ...
Sep 27, 2024 · For the sites where seed rate was available the mean seeding rate for drill seedings was 8.7 kg/hectare (SD = 3.8), aerial seedings 13.5 kg/ ...
[76]
Fall prescribed burns can build healthy ecosystems on sagebrush ...
Prescribed fire is used to benefit vegetation and soil and reduce fuels on rangeland sites. What hasn't been clear is how burning on rangelands may affect ...
[77]
Using Virtual Fencing to Create Fuel Breaks in the Sagebrush Steppe
Our data suggest virtual fencing can be a highly effective method of concentrating grazing to reduce herbaceous fuel biomass within linear fuel breaks.
[78]
[PDF] Planning and Implementing a Seeding in Sage-Grouse Country
The NRCS Plant Materials Program has numerous well-adapted selections and can help planners decide which selection, if any, is best suited for the site and for ...
[79]
Climate change impacts on plant communities in the sagebrush ...
Jul 15, 2025 · Background: Artemisia tridentata Nutt. (big sagebrush) plant communities once covered 62 million hectares of North America across the Western ...
[80]
[PDF] Sagebrush Shrublands - Wyoming Game and Fish
Sagebrush Shrublands Wildlife Sagebrush-associated vegetation types provide habitat for approximately 87 species of mammals; 297 species of birds; and 63 ...