Also called: Fringed Sagebrush, Wormwood

Artemisia frigida
Artemisia, wormwood; frigida, growing in cold regions

Description. Pasture Sage is a mat-forming woody, but soft-branched, gray-green perennial, growing 10-40cm (4-16”) high. The aromatic leaves are produced up the stems, terminating with yellow-white composite flowers. Pasture Sage can be found on dry, rocky slopes, in grasslands and open forests. The plant has a rapid spread rate.

Historical plant use. Pasture sage was used as medicine, in ceremonies, and as a smoke to drive away mosquitoes and flies. It is eaten by wildlife in spring, fall and winter.

Unusual aspects of this plant. The plant has an adaptable root system. When moisture is readily available, surface roots develop, but when drought conditions exist, a tap root appears.