San Diego sagebrush is a sub-shrub native to coastal valleys in southern San Diego and northwest Baja California, growing below 1500 feet in coastal sage scrub and riparian communities. It has wand-like branches with aromatic, deeply dissected leaves and blooms from May to September with small, pink-gold bell-shaped flowers that attract birds and bees. San Diego sagebrush prefers full sun to part shade and tolerates most soils, requiring occasional summer water and no fertilizer. It is used in habitat gardens and as a quick filler plant between trees and shrubs due to its attractive foliage and ability to attract birds to its seeds.

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