Prairie Sage
Artemisia ludoviciana
Prairie Sage (Artemisia ludoviciana) is a Colorado-native perennial suited to the Colorado Front Range. It matures to about 18 in tall and 18 in wide, needs low water, and prefers full sun. CO native perennial; supports pollinators.
Colorado nativeOn the CSU listlow water18 in tall and 18 in wideXeric / water-wiseZones 2–3 (keep it back from the house)Deer-resistantToxic to dogs
Photos
- Photo 1: Raffi Kojian, Wikimedia Commons (CC-BY-SA)
- Photo 2: Agnieszka Kwiecień, Nova, Wikimedia Commons (CC-BY-SA)
- Photo 3: no rights reserved
- Photo 4: no rights reserved
- Photo 5: (c) aarongunnar, some rights reserved (CC BY)
- Photo 6: 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
- Firewise (defensible space)
- Zones 2–3 (keep it back from the house)
- Site uses
- Slopes & erosion control
How big, what shape?
- Mature size
- 18 in tall and 18 in wide
- Planting spacing
- ~13–18 in apart
What it looks like, and when
- Bloom time
- mid 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 aggressivelyRhizomatous; can overtake a bed in 3 years if unchecked
Planting & establishment
Native perennial; deep-water first season to establish, then minimal water needed.
Frequently asked questions
- Is Prairie Sage good for the Colorado Front Range?
- Yes, Prairie Sage is a well-suited perennial for Colorado's Front Range.
- What should I know before planting Prairie Sage?
- The main things to know: Considered toxic to dogs, so keep pets away from it and check with your vet. Rhizomatous; can overtake a bed in 3 years if unchecked
- How big does Prairie Sage get?
- It matures to about 18 in tall and 18 in wide.
- How far apart do I plant Prairie Sage?
- Space Prairie Sage about 13 in apart for a faster, fuller bed, or up to 18 in apart for a looser planting.
- Is Prairie Sage hardy on the Front Range?
- Prairie 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 Prairie Sage need?
- It needs low water once established.
- Is Prairie Sage safe for dogs?
- No. Prairie Sage is considered toxic to dogs. Keep pets away and check with your vet.
- Is Prairie Sage deer-resistant?
- Prairie Sage is generally considered deer-resistant, though no plant is deer-proof when browse pressure is high.
- Is Prairie Sage a good firewise plant near the house?
- Prairie Sage is suitable in defensible-space zones 2–3, best kept back from the house rather than in the area right against the structure. This is general suitability guidance based on CSU Extension firewise plant lists, not a guarantee that any plant won't burn, a well-irrigated, well-maintained plant is the goal. Follow CSU Extension defensible-space guidance and check with your local fire district before planting in the wildland-urban interface.
- How long does Prairie Sage bloom?
- Prairie 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.
