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 nativelow water2–5 ft tall and 3–6 ft wideXeric / water-wiseDeer-resistantToxic to dogs
Photos
At a glance
- Botanical name
- Artemisia filifolia
- Variety / cultivar
- (species)
- Type
- Shrub
- Mature size
- 2–5 ft tall and 3–6 ft wide
- Water needs
- low water
- Sun
- 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
- Good for
- slope, south wall
Planting & establishment
Native of sandy plains; needs sharp drainage — rots in clay. Tap-rooted, drought-proof once established.
Frequently asked questions
- Is Sand sagebrush good for the Colorado Front Range?
- Yes. Sand sagebrush is included in the Front Range Plant Finder as a shrub suited to Colorado's Front Range.
- How big does Sand sagebrush get?
- It matures to about 2–5 ft tall and 3–6 ft wide.
- How much water does Sand sagebrush need?
- It needs low water once established.
- Is Sand sagebrush safe for dogs?
- No — Sand sagebrush is considered toxic to dogs. Keep pets away and check with your vet.
