Is Big sagebrush good for the Colorado Front Range?

Yes, Big sagebrush is a well-suited shrub for Colorado's Front Range.

What should I know before planting Big sagebrush?

The main things to know: Considered toxic to dogs, so keep pets away from it and check with your vet.

How far apart do I plant Big sagebrush?

Space Big sagebrush about 8 ft apart for a full, natural form, or about 6 ft apart for a faster hedge or screen.

Is Big sagebrush hardy on the Front Range?

Big sagebrush is hardy in USDA 3 to 9. The Colorado Front Range spans roughly USDA 4b to 6a, so it is well within range.

How much water does Big sagebrush need?

It needs low water once established.

How fast does Big sagebrush grow?

Big sagebrush is a moderate-growing shrub. Growth rate depends on water and site conditions on the Front Range.

Is Big sagebrush safe for dogs?

No. Big sagebrush is considered toxic to dogs. Keep pets away and check with your vet.

Is Big sagebrush deer-resistant?

Big sagebrush is generally considered deer-resistant, though no plant is deer-proof when browse pressure is high.

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Big sagebrush

Artemisia tridentata

Compiled by Nicholas Julia · Reviewed against CSU Extension & Plant Select® · Updated 2026-10-19

Big sagebrush (Artemisia tridentata) is a Colorado-native shrub suited to the Colorado Front Range. It matures to about 3 to 8 ft tall and 4 to 8 ft wide, needs low water, and prefers full sun. Iconic Western sagebrush. Aromatic silver foliage; tiny yellow late-summer blooms. Note: fire-prone, keep out of zone 1.

Colorado nativeOn the CSU listlow water3 to 8 ft tall and 4 to 8 ft wideXeric / water-wiseDeer-resistantToxic to dogs

Photos

At a glance

Will it survive here?

Hardiness zones: USDA 3 to 9
Water needs: low water
Sun: Best in full sun.
Soil: sandy, loam, well drained only
Soil pH: 6.5 to 8.5
Hail tolerance: high
Wind tolerance: high
Salt tolerance: moderate
Site uses: Slopes & erosion control, Hot south- or west-facing walls

How big, what shape?

Mature size: 3 to 8 ft tall and 4 to 8 ft wide
Planting spacing: ~8 ft apart (6 ft for a hedge/screen)
Growth rate: Moderate

What it looks like, and when

Foliage: Evergreen

Who else benefits

Pollinator value: moderate
Deer: Generally deer-resistant
Colorado native: Yes
Native ecoregion: shortgrass prairie, foothills

Also worth knowing

Fire rating: Not rated

Things to know before you plant

Toxic to dogsConsidered toxic to dogs, so keep pets away from it and check with your vet.

Planting & establishment

Water deeply 1×/week first 2 summers, slow to establish. Bombproof after rooting; needs no supplemental water.

Frequently asked questions

Is Big sagebrush good for the Colorado Front Range?: Yes, Big sagebrush is a well-suited shrub for Colorado's Front Range.
What should I know before planting Big sagebrush?: The main things to know: Considered toxic to dogs, so keep pets away from it and check with your vet.
How big does Big sagebrush get?: It matures to about 3 to 8 ft tall and 4 to 8 ft wide.
How far apart do I plant Big sagebrush?: Space Big sagebrush about 8 ft apart for a full, natural form, or about 6 ft apart for a faster hedge or screen.
Is Big sagebrush hardy on the Front Range?: Big sagebrush is hardy in USDA 3 to 9. The Colorado Front Range spans roughly USDA 4b to 6a, so it is well within range.
How much water does Big sagebrush need?: It needs low water once established.
How fast does Big sagebrush grow?: Big sagebrush is a moderate-growing shrub. Growth rate depends on water and site conditions on the Front Range.
Is Big sagebrush safe for dogs?: No. Big sagebrush is considered toxic to dogs. Keep pets away and check with your vet.
Is Big sagebrush deer-resistant?: Big sagebrush is generally considered deer-resistant, though no plant is deer-proof when browse pressure is high.