gardening information sheet for Artemisia palmeri

1. *San Diego sagebrush – Artemisia palmeri (are-teh-MEE-see-uh PALM-er-eye)
Family: Asteraceae (Sunflower Family)
Native to: Coastal valleys of southern San Diego and NW Baja California; shrubby bluffs & canyons
below 1500 ft. in coastal sage scrub or riparian plant communities. Rare in wilds due to
development of small natural range.
Growth characteristics: part-woody sub-shrub mature height: 2-5 ft. mature width: 3-6 ft.
Drought deciduous sub-shrub that is green most of the year with a little summer water. Brittle,
wand-like branches with deeply dissected (linear lobes), aromatic leaves. Overall appearance looks
like a cross between Artemisia californica and A. dracunculus (CA wild tarragon).
Blooms/fruits: Blooms in summer, sometime between May & Sept. Flowers very similar to
Artemisia californica: small, gold-pink bell-shaped flowers along the stalks. Bee pollinated.
Uses in the garden: Most often used in habitat gardens, primarily for seed-eating birds. Foliage is
attractive – looks nice with Salvias, Coyote bush and native Buckwheats. Good quick filler plant
between slower-growing trees and shrubs. Aromatic foliage is a plus. Fine on slopes.
Sensible substitute for: Non-native sub-shrubs.
Attracts: Numerous birds are attracted to the seeds, including quail, thrashers, towhees and
finches. Excellent bee habitat (for short period).
Requirements:
Element Requirement
Sun Full sun (immediate coast) to part-shade (elsewhere).
Soil Tolerates most, including sand; any local pH.
Water Best with monthly summer water; hose off foliage (grows in fog belt).
Fertilizer None needed.
Other Thin/no organic mulch
Management: Prune or not (pruned plants more dense). Hose off when dusty (spring/summer).
Propagation: from seed: fresh seed - easy by cuttings: likely yes, in summer
Plant/seed sources (see list for source numbers): 8, 10, 13, 14, 16, 20, 24 1/30/17
* California native, but not native to Western Los Angeles County © Project SOUND