Fringed Sage
Artemisia frigida
Fringed Sage (Artemisia frigida) is a Colorado-native perennial suited to the Colorado Front Range. It matures to about 12 in tall and 18 in wide, needs low water, and prefers full sun. CO native perennial; supports pollinators.
Colorado nativeOn the CSU listlow water12 in tall and 18 in wideXeric / water-wiseDeer-resistantToxic to dogs
Photos
- Photo 1: Jim Pisarowicz, Wikimedia Commons (PD)
- Photo 2: (c) Matt Lavin, some rights reserved (CC BY)
- Photo 3: no rights reserved
- Photo 4: Franz Xaver, Wikimedia Commons (CC-BY-SA)
- Photo 5: Agnieszka Kwiecień, Nova, Wikimedia Commons (CC-BY-SA)
At a glance
Will it survive here?
- Hardiness zones
- USDA 3–9
- Water needs
- low water
- Sun
- Best in full sun.
- Soil
- clay, loam, sandy
- Soil pH
- 6.5–8.0
- Hail tolerance
- high
- Wind tolerance
- high
- Salt tolerance
- moderate
- Site uses
- Slopes & erosion control
How big, what shape?
- Mature size
- 12 in tall and 18 in wide
- Planting spacing
- ~13–18 in apart
What it looks like, and when
- Bloom time
- mid summer, late summer
- Bloom color
- yellow
- Bloom length
- Long (several weeks)
- Foliage
- Deciduous
Who else benefits
- Pollinator value
- high
- Deer
- Generally deer-resistant
- Colorado native
- Yes
- Native ecoregion
- shortgrass prairie, foothills
Things to know before you plant
- Toxic to dogsConsidered toxic to dogs, so keep pets away from it and check with your vet.
- Spreads aggressivelySpreads via rhizomes; moderate but persistent
Planting & establishment
Native perennial; deep-water first season to establish, then minimal water needed.
Frequently asked questions
- Is Fringed Sage good for the Colorado Front Range?
- Yes, Fringed Sage is a well-suited perennial for Colorado's Front Range.
- What should I know before planting Fringed Sage?
- The main things to know: Considered toxic to dogs, so keep pets away from it and check with your vet. Spreads via rhizomes; moderate but persistent
- How big does Fringed Sage get?
- It matures to about 12 in tall and 18 in wide.
- How far apart do I plant Fringed Sage?
- Space Fringed Sage about 13 in apart for a faster, fuller bed, or up to 18 in apart for a looser planting.
- Is Fringed Sage hardy on the Front Range?
- Fringed Sage is hardy in USDA 3–9. The Colorado Front Range spans roughly USDA 4b–6a, so it is well within range.
- How much water does Fringed Sage need?
- It needs low water once established.
- Is Fringed Sage safe for dogs?
- No. Fringed Sage is considered toxic to dogs. Keep pets away and check with your vet.
- Is Fringed Sage deer-resistant?
- Fringed Sage is generally considered deer-resistant, though no plant is deer-proof when browse pressure is high.
- How long does Fringed Sage bloom?
- Fringed Sage blooms for several weeks, a long-season performer on the Front Range. Bloom timing shifts a week or two with elevation and spring weather.
