Evergreen shrub with gray-green leaves typically 2-4 ft. tall though occasionally taller, flowering July to October. Prefers moderately deep, well-drained, slightly acidic to slightly alkaline soils on foothill benches, upper slopes and mountain meadows; 2,500 to 10,000 ft. elevation. Likely the most abundant of the big sagebrush subspecies. Occurs at higher elevations and in higher precipitation zones than the other subspecies. Also found on lower elevation sites with sufficient summer moisture, late-melting snow drifts, or on north facing slopes. Readily killed by wildfire; does not resprout. Extremely palatable subspecies for ungulate and sage-grouse forage; important wildlife habitat. Provides valuable cover for wildlife.

DISTRIBUTION / ADAPTATION

INFORMATION & ATTRIBUTES

Family: Asteraceae

Duration: Perennial

Growth Habit: Shrub/Tree

Native Status: Native

Growth Form: Multiple Stem

Mature Height: 7 ft.

Bloom Color: 

Fruit/Seed Color: Brown

Bloom Period: Fall

Annual Precipitation: 11-45 in.

Drought Tolerance: Medium

Shade Tolerance: Intolerant

Elevation:  ft.

Wetland Indicator Status:

Fire Resistance: No

Fire Tolerance: None

Nitrogen fixation: None

SOIL ADAPTATION

Coarse Texture: Yes

Medium Texture: Yes

Fine Texture: Yes

Salinity Tolerance: Low

CaCO3 Tolerance: High

pH Range: 6.0-8.5

SEEDING NOTES

Seeds per Pound: 1,973,100

Seeding Rate:  PLS lbs/acre

Season: Fall

Days to Germination: