Sand sagebrush
Artemisia filifolia
Sand sagebrush (Artemisia filifolia) is a Colorado-native shrub suited to the Colorado Front Range. It matures to about 2–5 ft tall and 3–6 ft wide, needs low water, and prefers full sun. Silvery thread-like foliage; aromatic; high-resin so NOT for fire-wise zone 1 near home.
Colorado nativeOn the CSU listlow water2–5 ft tall and 3–6 ft wideXeric / water-wiseDeer-resistantToxic to dogs
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At a glance
- Botanical name
- Artemisia filifolia
- Variety / cultivar
- (species)
- Type
- Shrub
- Mature size
- 2–5 ft tall and 3–6 ft wide
- Planting spacing
- ~6 ft apart (4 ft for a hedge/screen)
- Hardiness zones
- USDA 3–9
- Growth rate
- Moderate
- Water needs
- low water
- Sun
- Best in full sun.
- Colorado native
- Yes
- Foliage
- Semi-evergreen
- Soil
- sandy, well drained only
- Soil pH
- 6.5–8.5
- Hail tolerance
- high
- Wind tolerance
- high
- Salt tolerance
- high
- Pollinator value
- low
- Site uses
- Slopes & erosion control, Hot south- or west-facing walls
Things to know before you plant
- Toxic to dogsConsidered toxic to dogs, so keep pets away from it and check with your vet.
Wildlife & ecology
- Pollinator value
- low
- Deer
- Generally deer-resistant
- Native ecoregion
- shortgrass prairie
Planting & establishment
Native of sandy plains; needs sharp drainage, rots in clay. Tap-rooted, drought-proof once established.
- Pruning: light.
Frequently asked questions
- Is Sand sagebrush good for the Colorado Front Range?
- Yes, Sand sagebrush is a well-suited shrub for Colorado's Front Range.
- What should I know before planting Sand sagebrush?
- The main things to know: Considered toxic to dogs, so keep pets away from it and check with your vet.
- How big does Sand sagebrush get?
- It matures to about 2–5 ft tall and 3–6 ft wide.
- How far apart do I plant Sand sagebrush?
- Space Sand sagebrush about 6 ft apart for a full, natural form, or about 4 ft apart for a faster hedge or screen.
- Is Sand sagebrush hardy on the Front Range?
- Sand sagebrush 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 Sand sagebrush need?
- It needs low water once established.
- How fast does Sand sagebrush grow?
- Sand sagebrush is a moderate-growing shrub. Growth rate depends on water and site conditions on the Front Range.
- Is Sand sagebrush safe for dogs?
- No. Sand sagebrush is considered toxic to dogs. Keep pets away and check with your vet.
- Is Sand sagebrush deer-resistant?
- Sand sagebrush is generally considered deer-resistant, though no plant is deer-proof when browse pressure is high.
