Artemisia ludoviciana

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USDA NRCS National Plant Data Center & University of California-Davis Arboretum

Alternative names

Silver wormwood, white sagebrush, wild sage, prairie sage, wormwood, white mugwort, western mugwort, Louisiana sage, darkleaf mugwort, Mexican sagewort, Chihuahua sagewort, Garfield tea, lobed cudweed, man sage

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USDA NRCS National Plant Data Center & University of California-Davis Arboretum

Distribution

States or Provinces

(key to state/province abbreviations)
UNITED STATES AZ AR CA CO CT DE GA ID IL IN IA KS KY LA ME MD MA MI MN MS MO MT NE NV NH NJ NM NY NC ND OH OK OR PA RI SC SD TN TX UT VT VA WA WI WY DC
CANADA AB BC MB NT ON PQ SK
MEXICO B.C.N. Chih. Son.

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Regional Distribution in the Western United States

This species can be found in the following regions of the western United States (according to the Bureau of Land Management classification of Physiographic Regions of the western United States):

BLM PHYSIOGRAPHIC REGIONS [14]:

2 Cascade Mountains

3 Southern Pacific Border

4 Sierra Mountains

5 Columbia Plateau

6 Upper Basin and Range

7 Lower Basin and Range

8 Northern Rocky Mountains

9 Middle Rocky Mountains

10 Wyoming Basin

11 Southern Rocky Mountains

12 Colorado Plateau

13 Rocky Mountain Piedmont

14 Great Plains

15 Black Hills Uplift

16 Upper Missouri Basin and Broken Lands

References:

14. Bernard, Stephen R.; Brown, Kenneth F. 1977. Distribution of mammals, reptiles, and amphibians by BLM physiographic regions and A.W. Kuchler's associations for the eleven western states. Tech. Note 301. Denver, CO: U.S. Department of the Interior, Bureau of Land Management. 169 p. [434]

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Distribution

Prairie sage is distributed from the Northwest Territories south through the Intermountain region of the United States to Mexico [33,34,43,46,56,58,62,63,64,65,90,103,131,132,134]. The range includes most of Canada and the United States east of the Rocky Mountains, except Alabama, Florida, and West Virginia. It is generally rare in Michigan [63]. In Delaware, prairie sage is considered an adventive species; while native to the U.S., it is not native to that state [31]. Some subspecies of prairie sage are more abundant and widespread (A. l. ssp. ludoviciana, A. l. ssp. albula, A. l. ssp. candicans, A. l. ssp. incompta, A. l. ssp. mexicana), while others are restricted to smaller geographic areas (A. l. ssp. estesii, A. l. ssp. redolens, A. l. ssp. silcata) [63,118]. Some subspecies may also be restricted to certain elevation ranges with their geographic distribution (i.e. A. l. ssp. incompta) [118]. Plants database provides a distributional map of prairie sage and its infrataxa.

References:

58. Hitchcock, C. Leo; Cronquist, Arthur. 1973. Flora of the Pacific Northwest. Seattle, WA: University of Washington Press. 730 p. [1168]
33. Dorn, Robert D. 1984. Vascular plants of Montana. Cheyenne, WY: Mountain West Publishing. 276 p. [819]
34. Dorn, Robert D. 1988. Vascular plants of Wyoming. Cheyenne, WY: Mountain West Publishing. 340 p. [6129]
43. Gleason, Henry A.; Cronquist, Arthur. 1991. Manual of vascular plants of northeastern United States and adjacent Canada. 2nd ed. New York: New York Botanical Garden. 910 p. [20329]
46. Great Plains Flora Association. 1986. Flora of the Great Plains. Lawrence, KS: University Press of Kansas. 1392 p. [1603]
56. Hickman, James C., ed. 1993. The Jepson manual: Higher plants of California. Berkeley, CA: University of California Press. 1400 p. [21992]
62. Jones, Stanley D.; Wipff, Joseph K.; Montgomery, Paul M. 1997. Vascular plants of Texas. Austin, TX: University of Texas Press. 404 p. [28762]
65. Kearney, Thomas H.; Peebles, Robert H.; Howell, John Thomas; McClintock, Elizabeth. 1960. Arizona flora. 2d ed. Berkeley, CA: University of California Press. 1085 p. [6563]
103. Radford, Albert E.; Ahles, Harry E.; Bell, C. Ritchie. 1968. Manual of the vascular flora of the Carolinas. Chapel Hill, NC: The University of North Carolina Press. 1183 p. [7606]
118. Stranathan, Sam E.; Monsen, Stephen B. 1986. Selection of a cultivar of Artemisia ludoviciana for disturbed land plantings. In: McArthur, E. Durant; Welch, Bruce L., compilers. Proceedings--symposium of the biology of Artemisia and Chrysothamnus; 1984 July 9-13; Provo, UT. Gen. Tech. Rep. INT-200. Ogden, UT: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Intermountain Research Station: 108-113. [2263]
131. Weber, William A.; Wittmann, Ronald C. 1996. Colorado flora: eastern slope. 2nd ed. Niwot, CO: University Press of Colorado. 524 p. [27572]
132. Welsh, Stanley L.; Atwood, N. Duane; Goodrich, Sherel; Higgins, Larry C., eds. 1987. A Utah flora. The Great Basin Naturalist Memoir No. 9. Provo, UT: Brigham Young University. 894 p. [2944]
134. Wiggins, Ira L. 1980. Flora of Baja California. Stanford, CA: Stanford University Press. 1025 p. [21993]
31. Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control, Division of Fish and Wildlife. 1999. Delaware Natural Heritage Program: Non-native plant species in Delaware, [Online]. Available: http://www.dnrec.state.de.us/fw/weeds.htm [2000, June 2]. [35346]
63. Kartesz, John T.; Meacham, Christopher A. 1999. Synthesis of the North American flora (Windows Version 1.0), [CD-ROM]. Available: North Carolina Botanical Garden. In cooperation with the Nature Conservancy, Natural Resources Conservation Service, and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service [2001, January 16]. [36715]
64. Kartesz, John Thomas. 1988. A flora of Nevada. Reno, NV: University of Nevada. 1729 p. [In 3 volumes]. Dissertation. [42426]
90. Mohlenbrock, Robert H. 1986. [Revised edition]. Guide to the vascular flora of Illinois. Carbondale, IL: Southern Illinois University Press. 507 p. [17383]

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Localities documented in Tropicos sources

Artemisia muelleri Rydb.:
Mexico (Mesoamerica)

Note: This information is based on publications available through Tropicos and may not represent the entire distribution. Tropicos does not categorize distributions as native or non-native.

References:

SPECIMEN BASED RECORD. Published protolog data.

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Missouri Botanical Garden, 4344 Shaw Boulevard, St. Louis, MO 63110 USA

Localities documented in Tropicos sources

Artemisia ludoviciana Nutt.:
Belize (Mesoamerica)
Canada (North America)
El Salvador (Mesoamerica)
Guatemala (Mesoamerica)
Mexico (Mesoamerica)
United States (North America)
Honduras (Mesoamerica)

Note: This information is based on publications available through Tropicos and may not represent the entire distribution. Tropicos does not categorize distributions as native or non-native.

References:

SPECIMEN BASED RECORD. Published protolog data.
Anonymous. 1986. List-Based Rec., Soil Conserv. Serv., U.S.D.A. Database of the U.S.D.A., Beltsville.
Gleason, H. A. 1968. The Sympetalous Dicotyledoneae. vol. 3. 596 pp. In H. A. Gleason Ill. Fl. N. U.S. (ed. 3). New York Botanical Garden, New York.
Breedlove, D. E. 1986. Flora de Chiapas. Listados Floríst. México 4: i–v, 1–246.
Radford, A. E., H. E. Ahles & C. R. Bell. 1968. Man. Vasc. Fl. Carolinas i–lxi, 1–1183. University of North Carolina Press, Chapel Hill.
Correll, D. S. & M. C. Johnston. 1970. Man. Vasc. Pl. Texas i–xv, 1–1881. The University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson.
Berendsohn, W. G. & A. E. Araniva de González. 1989. Listado básico de la Flora Salvadorensis: Dicotyledonae, Sympetalae (pro parte): Labiatae, Bignoniaceae, Acanthaceae, Pedaliaceae, Martyniaceae, Gesneriaceae, Compositae. Cuscatlania 1(3): 290–1–290–13.
Davidse, G., M. Sousa-Peña, S. Knapp & F. Chiang Cabrera. (editores generales) 2012. Asteraceae. Fl. Mesoamer. 5(2): ined.
Turner, B. L. 1996. The Comps of Mexico: A systematic account of the family Asteraceae, vol. 6. Tageteae and Athemideae. Phytologia Mem. 10: i–ii, 1–93.
Cronquist, A. J. 1980. Asteraceae. 1: i–xv, 1–261. In Vasc. Fl. S.E. U. S. The University of North Carolina Press, Chapel Hill.
García-Mendoza, A. J. & J. Meave del Castillo. 2011. Divers. Florist. Oaxaca 1–351. Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad Universitaria.

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Missouri Botanical Garden, 4344 Shaw Boulevard, St. Louis, MO 63110 USA

National Distribution

Canada

Origin: Native

Regularity: Regularly occurring

Currently: Present

Confidence: Confident

Type of Residency: Year-round

United States

Origin: Native

Regularity: Regularly occurring

Currently: Present

Confidence: Confident

Type of Residency: Year-round

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NatureServe

Distribution

White sage occurs from east of the Cascade Mountains in Washington and Oregon, in California, north to eastern Canada, south to Texas and northern Mexico, and in Montana, Utah, Colorado, and in the Great Plains states. For current distribution, please consult the Plant Profile page for this species on the PLANTS Web site.

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USDA NRCS National Plant Data Center & University of California-Davis Arboretum

Morphology

Description

More info for the terms: density, forb, ramet, shrub

This description provides characteristics that may be relevant to fire ecology, and is not meant for identification. Keys for identification are available (e.g. [56,58,65]).

Prairie sage is a native perennial forb or small shrub [103,119]. Stems seldom branch and are loosely clustered or solitary [59,119,131]. Though generally erect [119], alpine subspecies (e.g., A. l. ssp. incompta) may be decumbent compared to the more upright forms found at lower elevations [118]. Prairie sage grows 0.5 to 3 feet (0.15-1.0 m) tall [43,46,56,103,119,132] and has alternate, irregularly toothed leaves [119]. The inflorescence is a narrow, open to dense panicle reaching 2 to 12 inches (5-30 cm) in length. The many nodding flower heads are <7 mm in diameter [56,132]. Seeds are small achenes [123].

Prairie sage is often densely aggregated in pure stands 6.5 to 10 feet (2-3 m) in diameter, with all stalks connected by underground stems or rhizomes [36,56,59,69,96,103,119,131] that thicken with age. Prairie sage rhizomes and dense, coarse roots are generally found between 1 and 5.5 inches (2.5-14 cm) deep [96,118]. Root branching in the fibrous root system is so interlaced that a firm mesh forms in the upper 2 inches (5 cm) of soil [96,113]. Prairie sage roots may reach 27.5 inches (70 cm) deep [143].

Roots may be colonized by mycorrhizae [136]; when colonized, ramet growth rates and biomass are reduced, resulting in a reduction in size and density of prairie sage [137]. Root nodulation is inconsistent [38,118,139], and it is difficult to confirm any significant degree of nitrogen fixation [118].

References:

58. Hitchcock, C. Leo; Cronquist, Arthur. 1973. Flora of the Pacific Northwest. Seattle, WA: University of Washington Press. 730 p. [1168]
36. Eddleman, Lee E. 1977. Indigenous plants of southeastern Montana. I. Viability and suitability for reclamation in the Fort Union Basin. Special Publication 4. Missoula, MT: University of Montana, School of Forestry, Montana Forest and Conservation Experiment Station. 122 p. [42440]
38. Farnsworth, Raymond B. 1975. Nitrogen fixation in shrubs. In: Stutz, Howard C., ed. Wildland shrubs: Symposium and workshop proceedings; 1975 November 5-7; Provo, UT. Provo, UT: Brigham Young University: 32-71. [909]
43. Gleason, Henry A.; Cronquist, Arthur. 1991. Manual of vascular plants of northeastern United States and adjacent Canada. 2nd ed. New York: New York Botanical Garden. 910 p. [20329]
46. Great Plains Flora Association. 1986. Flora of the Great Plains. Lawrence, KS: University Press of Kansas. 1392 p. [1603]
56. Hickman, James C., ed. 1993. The Jepson manual: Higher plants of California. Berkeley, CA: University of California Press. 1400 p. [21992]
59. Houston, Kent E.; Hartung, Walter J.; Hartung, Carol J. 2001. A field guide for forest indicator plants, sensitive plants, and noxious weeds of the Shoshone National Forest, Wyoming. Gen. Tech. Rep. RMRS-GTR-84. Ogden, UT: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Research Station. 184 p. [40585]
65. Kearney, Thomas H.; Peebles, Robert H.; Howell, John Thomas; McClintock, Elizabeth. 1960. Arizona flora. 2d ed. Berkeley, CA: University of California Press. 1085 p. [6563]
69. Knutson, Herbert. 1982. Development and survival of the monophagous grasshopper Hypochlora alba (Dodge) and the polyphagous Melanoplus bivittatus (Say) and Melanoplus sanguinipes (F.) on Louisiana sagewort, Artemisia ludoviciana Nutt. Environmental Entomology. 11(4): 777-782. [46882]
96. Mueller, Irene M. 1941. An experimental study of rhizomes of certain prairie plants. Ecological Monographs. 11: 165-188. [25837]
103. Radford, Albert E.; Ahles, Harry E.; Bell, C. Ritchie. 1968. Manual of the vascular flora of the Carolinas. Chapel Hill, NC: The University of North Carolina Press. 1183 p. [7606]
113. Shaw, Nancy L.; Monsen, Stephen B. 1983. Nonleguminous forbs for rangeland sites. In: Monsen, Stephen B.; Shaw, Nancy, compilers. Managing Intermountain rangelands--improvement of range and wildlife habitats: Proceedings of symposia; 1981 September 15-17; Twin Falls, ID; 1982 June 22-24; Elko, NV. Gen. Tech. Rep. INT-157. Ogden, UT: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Intermountain Forest and Range Experiment Station: 123-131. [2121]
118. Stranathan, Sam E.; Monsen, Stephen B. 1986. Selection of a cultivar of Artemisia ludoviciana for disturbed land plantings. In: McArthur, E. Durant; Welch, Bruce L., compilers. Proceedings--symposium of the biology of Artemisia and Chrysothamnus; 1984 July 9-13; Provo, UT. Gen. Tech. Rep. INT-200. Ogden, UT: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Intermountain Research Station: 108-113. [2263]
119. Stubbendieck, James; Nichols, James T.; Butterfield, Charles H. 1989. Nebraska range and pasture forbs and shrubs (including succulent plants). Extension Circular 89-118. Lincoln, NE: University of Nebraska, Nebraska Cooperative Extension. 153 p. [10168]
131. Weber, William A.; Wittmann, Ronald C. 1996. Colorado flora: eastern slope. 2nd ed. Niwot, CO: University Press of Colorado. 524 p. [27572]
132. Welsh, Stanley L.; Atwood, N. Duane; Goodrich, Sherel; Higgins, Larry C., eds. 1987. A Utah flora. The Great Basin Naturalist Memoir No. 9. Provo, UT: Brigham Young University. 894 p. [2944]
136. Wilson, Gail W. T.; Hartnett, David C. 1998. Interspecific variation in plant responses to mycorrhizal colonization in tallgrass prairie. American Journal of Botany. 85(12): 1732-1738. [30311]
137. Wilson, Gail W. T.; Hartnett, David C.; Smith, Melinda D.; Kobbeman, Kerri. 2001. Effects of mycorrhizae on growth and demography of tallgrass prairie forbs. American Journal of Botany. 88(8): 1452-1457. [46884]
139. Wullstein, L. H.; Harker, Alan. 1982. Nonconfirmation on nodulation in Artemisia ludoviciana. American Journal of Botany. 69(1): 160-162. [46885]
143. Zajicek, J.M.; Hetrick, B.A. Daniels; Owensby, C.E. 1986. The influence of soil depth on mycorrhizal colonization of forbs in the tallgrass prairie. Mycologia. 78(2): 316-320. [4167]
123. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Walla Walla District. 1998. Appendix table 3 - Literature review of plant species common in the Snake River region, based on several published works listed in the reference section, [Online]. In: Lower Snake River junvenile salmon migration fesibility study: Regeneration potential of vegetation on newly exposed riverside shoreline. Walla Walla, WA: U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (Producer). Available: http://www.nww.usace.army.mil/lsr/REPORTS/VEGETATION/tab3a.htm [2005, March 17]. [52739]

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Description

Perennials, 20–80 (rarely to 120 in desert washes) cm, aromatic (rhizomatous). Stems relatively few to relatively numerous, erect, gray-green, simple or widely branched, hairy. Leaves cauline, uniformly gray-green, green, or white, or bicolor (white and green); blades linear to broadly elliptic, 1.5–11 × 0.5–4 cm, entire or lobed to relatively deeply pinnatifid, faces hairy. Heads (erect to nodding, peduncles 0 or 2–5 mm) in congested to open (widely branched) arrays. Involucres campanulate or turbinate, (1–)2–4(–5) × 2–5(–8) mm. Phyllaries (gray-green), lanceolate to ovate or obovate (margins narrowly hyaline), densely tomentose. Florets: pistillate 5–12; bisexual 6–45; corollas yellow, sometimes red-tinged, 1.5–2.8 mm, glabrous. Cypselae ellipsoid ca. 0.5 mm, (obscurely nerved) glabrous. 2n = 18, 36, 54.

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Missouri Botanical Garden, 4344 Shaw Boulevard, St. Louis, MO, 63110 USA

Diagnostic Description

Synonym

Artemisia vulgaris Linnaeus var. ludoviciana (Nuttall) Kuntze

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Missouri Botanical Garden, 4344 Shaw Boulevard, St. Louis, MO, 63110 USA

Habitat

Habitat characteristics

More info for the term: mesic

Due to its broad geographical distribution, prairie sage is found on a wide range of sites. It grows on upland areas including rangeland, pastures, roadsides, shrublands, and open woods [87,119], as well as in valley bottoms [29], riparian areas [51,87] and other moist or mesic sites [28,78]. On drier sites in plains grassland or sagebrush communities, prairie sage may be restricted to more mesic streambanks and floodplains [28,78,101]. In field experiments, prairie sage was "somewhat tolerant" of periodic flooding [83,84].

Prairie sage is found on a wide range of soil types [118,119]. It is common on sandy to gravelly or stony sites, including scree slopes and rockslides [56,87,131,141]. Prairie sage is frequently found on exposed ridges and sites free of snow accumulation [118]. It is also found on silty soils, and may occur on soils with high lime content, though not abundantly [106].

The following table presents the elevational range of prairie sage in the western United States:

California 11,500 feet (<3500 m) [56,87] Colorado 3,500-10,000 ft (1,060-3,050 m) [52] Nevada 2,500-9,500 ft (760-2,900 m) [64] New Mexico 7,200-8,700 ft (2,200-2,600 m) [50] Utah 2,460-11,500 ft (750-3,500 m) [132]

References:

28. Coupland, Robert T. 1950. Ecology of mixed prairie in Canada. Ecological Monographs. 20(4): 271-315. [700]
29. Coxson, Darwyn S.; Looney, John Henry H. 1986. Vegetation patterns within southern Alberta coulees. Canadian Journal of Botany. 64: 2464-2475. [1957]
50. Hanks, Jess P.; Dick-Peddie, W. A. 1974. Vegetation patterns of the White Mountains, New Mexico. The Southwestern Naturalist. 18(4): 371-382. [4635]
51. Harper, K. T.; Sanderson, S. C.; McArthur, E. D. 1992. Riparian ecology in Zion National Park, Utah. In: Clary, Warren P.; McArthur, E. Durant; Bedunah, Don; Wambolt, Carl L., compilers. Proceedings--symposium on ecology and management of riparian shrub communities; 1991 May 29-31; Sun Valley, ID. Gen. Tech. Rep. INT-289. Ogden, UT: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Intermountain Research Station: 32-42. [19092]
52. Harrington, H. D. 1964. Manual of the plants of Colorado. 2d ed. Chicago: The Swallow Press, Inc. 666 p. [6851]
56. Hickman, James C., ed. 1993. The Jepson manual: Higher plants of California. Berkeley, CA: University of California Press. 1400 p. [21992]
78. Marchand, Denis E. 1973. Edaphic control of plant distribution in the White Mountains, eastern California. Ecology. 54(2): 233-250. [1521]
83. Merendino, M. Todd; Smith, Loren M. 1991. Influence of drawdown date and reflood depth on wetland vegetation establishment. Wildlife Society Bulletin. 19(2): 143-150. [19470]
84. Merendino, M. Todd; Smith, Loren M.; Murkin, Henry R.; Pederson, Roger L. 1990. The response of prairie wetland vegetation to seasonality of drawdown. Wildlife Society Bulletin. 18(3): 245-251. [17645]
87. Meyers-Rice, Barry A.; Robison, Ramona; Randall, John M. 2000. Noteworthy collections: California. Madrono. 47(3): 209-216. [47141]
101. Pike, K. S.; Stary, P.; Allison, D.; Graf, G.; Boydston, L.; Miller, T. 1997. Parasitoids (Hymenoptera: Braconidae: Aphidiinae) of aphids on big sagebrush (Artemisia ludoviciana Nuttall) in Washington State. Proceedings, Entomological Society of Washington. 99(1): 143-155. [47306]
106. Rothenberger, Steven J. 1995. Plant community analysis of Schultz Prairie, Webster County, Nebraska. In: Hartnett, David C., ed. Prairie biodiversity: Proceedings, 14th North American prairie conference; 1994 July 12-16; Manhattan, KS. Manhattan, KS: Kansas State University: 35-41. [28225]
118. Stranathan, Sam E.; Monsen, Stephen B. 1986. Selection of a cultivar of Artemisia ludoviciana for disturbed land plantings. In: McArthur, E. Durant; Welch, Bruce L., compilers. Proceedings--symposium of the biology of Artemisia and Chrysothamnus; 1984 July 9-13; Provo, UT. Gen. Tech. Rep. INT-200. Ogden, UT: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Intermountain Research Station: 108-113. [2263]
119. Stubbendieck, James; Nichols, James T.; Butterfield, Charles H. 1989. Nebraska range and pasture forbs and shrubs (including succulent plants). Extension Circular 89-118. Lincoln, NE: University of Nebraska, Nebraska Cooperative Extension. 153 p. [10168]
131. Weber, William A.; Wittmann, Ronald C. 1996. Colorado flora: eastern slope. 2nd ed. Niwot, CO: University Press of Colorado. 524 p. [27572]
132. Welsh, Stanley L.; Atwood, N. Duane; Goodrich, Sherel; Higgins, Larry C., eds. 1987. A Utah flora. The Great Basin Naturalist Memoir No. 9. Provo, UT: Brigham Young University. 894 p. [2944]
141. Wydeven, Adrian P.; Dahlgren, Robert B. 1985. Ungulate habitat relationships in Wind Cave National Park. Journal of Wildlife Management. 49(3): 805-813. [57]
64. Kartesz, John Thomas. 1988. A flora of Nevada. Reno, NV: University of Nevada. 1729 p. [In 3 volumes]. Dissertation. [42426]

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Key Plant Community Associations

More info for the terms: forb, shrub, tree

Prairie sage occurs is a broadly distributed species that occurs in a wide range
of plant communities. Associates in communities where prairie sage is most
common are briefly identified below, followed by a discussion of plant
communities in which prairie sage occurs as a dominant.

Sagebrush ecosystems:
Prairie sage commonly occurs in sagebrush (Artemisia ssp.) communities.
Shrub and tree associates include big sagebrush (A. tridentata), black
sagebrush (A. nova), fringed sagebrush (A. frigida), shadscale
saltbush (Atriplex confertifolia), curlleaf mountain-mahogany (Cercocarpus
ledifolius), rubber rabbitbrush (Chrysothamnus nauseosus), green
rabbitbrush (C. viscidiflorus), antelope bitterbrush (Purshia tridentata),
Rocky mountain juniper (Juniperus
scopulorum), western juniper (J. occidentalis), interior ponderosa
pine (Pinus ponderosa var. scopulorum), Jeffrey pine (P.
jeffreyi), and several oaks (Quercus spp.). Herbaceous understory associates include Indian
ricegrass (Achnatherum hymenoides), blue grama (Bouteloua gracilis),
buckwheat (Eriogonum spp.), ephedra (Ephedra spp.), Idaho fescue (Festuca
idahoensis), rough fescue (Festuca altaica), needle-and-thread grass
(Hesperostipa comata), prairie Junegrass (Koeleria macrantha),
western wheatgrass (Pascopyrum smithii), Sandberg bluegrass (Poa
secunda), plains bluegrass (P. arida), and bluebunch wheatgrass (Pseudoroegneria
spicata) [37,72,115].
Chaparral-mountain shrub ecosystems:
Common tree and shrub associates in
these plant communities include alligator juniper (J. deppeana), oneseed
juniper (J. monosperma), Utah juniper (J. osteosperma), Mexican
pinyon (Pinus cembroides), Arizona white oak (Q. arizonica),
canyon live oak (Q. chrysolepis), Emory oak (Q. emoryi), Gambel
oak (Q. gambelii), silverleaf oak (Q. hypoleucoides),
Mexican blue oak (Q. oblongifolia), shrub live oak (Q. turbinella),
interior live oak (Q. wislizenii), chamise (Adenostoma
fasciculatum), manzanita (Arctostaphylos spp.), ceanothus (Ceanothus
spp.), bush chinquapin (Chrysolepsis sempervirens), curlleaf mountain-mahogany , birchleaf mountain-mahogany (C.
betuloides),
bigtooth maple (Acer grandidentatum), and bittercherry (Prunus
emarginata). Understory associates include sideoats grama (B.
curtipendula), hairy grama (B. hirsuta), and eastern Mojave buckwheat
(Eriogonum fasciculatum) [37,72,115].
Plains grasslands:
Prairie sage is particularly common in plains and prairie
grassland communities. In plains grasslands, associates include Indian ricegrass,
crested wheatgrass (Agropyron cristatum), desert wheatgrass (A.
desertorum), big bluestem (Andropogon gerardii var. gerardii), sand bluestem (A.
g. var. paucipilus), blue grama, sideoats grama, hairy grama,
black grama (B. eriopoda), buffalo grass (Buchloe dactyloides),
prairie sandreed (Calamovilfa longifolia), oatgrass (Danthonia spp.),
Canada wildrye (Elymus canadensis), thickspike wheatgrass (E.
lanceolatus), rough fescue, prairie Junegrass, needle-and-thread grass,
porcupine grass (H. spartea), green needlegrass (Nassella viridula),
tobosa (Pleuraphis mutica), Kentucky bluegrass (Poa pratensis),
western wheatgrass, bluebunch wheatgrass, little bluestem (Schizachyrium
scoparium), and alkali sacaton (Sporobolus airoides). Woody plants
commonly occurring in these communities include fringed sagebrush, sand
sagebrush (Artemisia filifolia), fourwing saltbush (Atriplex canescens),
Ashe juniper (J. ashei), eastern redcedar (J. virginiana)
winterfat (Krascheninnikovia lanata ), blackjack oak (Q. marilandica),
post oak (Q. stellata), and live oak (Q. virginiana) [72,115].

Prairie grasslands: In prairie communities, common associates include
threeawns (Aristida spp.), big bluestem, sand bluestem, blue grama, hairy
grama, sideoats grama, buffalo grass, prairie sandreed, needle-and-thread grass,
porcupine grass, prairie Junegrass, switchgrass (Panicum
virgatum), little bluestem, indiangrass (Sorghastrum nutans), prairie
dropseed (Sporobolus heterolepis), and giant dropseed (S. giganteus).
Common woody associates are big sagebrush, black sagebrush, sand sagebrush,
rubber rabbitbrush, green rabbitbrush, winterfat, saltbushes (Atriplex
spp.), hickories (Carya spp.), eastern redcedar, eastern cottonwood (Populus
deltoides), post oak, blackjack oak, and black oak (Q. velutina) [37,72,115].
Prairie sage usually occurs in scattered amounts and does not dominate extensive
areas [118], though it may form dense stands locally in grassland communities
[36]. Prairie sage may be dominant
in Wyoming, commonly codominating forb communities with tobacco root (Valeriana
edulis) [24,47]. This forb community is often found near
subalpine fir (Abies lasiocarpa) habitat types. Other associates in the
prairie sage-tobacco root community type are Idaho fescue, Rocky Mountain
goldenrod (Solidago multiradiata), thickstem aster (Eurybia
integrifolia), sulphur-flower buckwheat (Eriogonum umbellatum),
slender cinquefoil (Potentilla gracilis), elkweed (Frasera speciosa),
and spike trisetum (Trisetum spicatum) [47]. In Alberta, prairie
sage may codominate with western wheatgrass. Other common associates in this
community are riverbank sedge (Carex stenoptila), Kentucky bluegrass,
curlycup gumweed (Grindelia squarrosa), and desert goosefoot (Chenopodium
pratericola) [128]. Prairie sage is noted as a "differential species" in
mixed-grass (Kentucky bluegrass dominant) and tallgrass (big bluestem dominant)
prairie communities. In the mixed-grass community, other associates include
western wheatgrass and smooth brome (Bromus inermis), while little
bluestem is common in the tallgrass community [85].
Vegetation classifications identifying prairie sage as a plant
community dominant are listed below:
Alberta [128]

Wyoming [24,47]

References:

24. Collins, Ellen I. 1984. Preliminary classification of Wyoming plant communities. Cheyenne, WY: Wyoming Natural Heritage Program/The Nature Conservancy. 42 p. [661]
36. Eddleman, Lee E. 1977. Indigenous plants of southeastern Montana. I. Viability and suitability for reclamation in the Fort Union Basin. Special Publication 4. Missoula, MT: University of Montana, School of Forestry, Montana Forest and Conservation Experiment Station. 122 p. [42440]
37. Eyre, F. H., ed. 1980. Forest cover types of the United States and Canada. Washington, DC: Society of American Foresters. 148 p. [905]
47. Gregory, Shari. 1983. Subalpine forb community types of the Bridger-Teton National Forest, Wyoming. Final Report. U.S. Forest Service Cooperative Education Agreement: Contract OM 40-8555-3-115. Ogden, UT: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Intermountain Region. 100 p. [1040]
85. Meyer, Marvis I. 1985. Classification of native vegetation at the Woodworth Station, North Dakota. Prairie Naturalist. 17(3): 167-175. [5432]
115. Shiflet, Thomas N., ed. 1994. Rangeland cover types of the United States. Denver, CO: Society for Range Management. 152 p. [23362]
118. Stranathan, Sam E.; Monsen, Stephen B. 1986. Selection of a cultivar of Artemisia ludoviciana for disturbed land plantings. In: McArthur, E. Durant; Welch, Bruce L., compilers. Proceedings--symposium of the biology of Artemisia and Chrysothamnus; 1984 July 9-13; Provo, UT. Gen. Tech. Rep. INT-200. Ogden, UT: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Intermountain Research Station: 108-113. [2263]
128. Vujnovic, K.; Bentz, J. 2001. Preliminary classification of native wheat grass (Agropyron spp.) community types in Alberta. Edmonton, AB: Alberta Environment, Natural Heritage Centre. 362 p. Unpublished report on file with: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Research Station, Fire Sciences Laboratory, Missoula, MT. [43372]
72. Kuchler, A. W. 1964. United States [Potential natural vegetation of the conterminous United States]. Special Publication No. 36. New York: American Geographical Society. 1:3,168,000; colored. [3455]

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Habitat: Rangeland Cover Types

This species is known to occur in association with the following Rangeland Cover Types (as classified by the Society for Range Management, SRM):

More info for the terms: cover, shrub

SRM (RANGELAND) COVER TYPES [115]:

101 Bluebunch wheatgrass

102 Idaho fescue

104 Antelope bitterbrush-bluebunch wheatgrass

105 Antelope bitterbrush-Idaho fescue

107 Western juniper/big sagebrush/bluebunch wheatgrass

108 Alpine Idaho fescue

109 Ponderosa pine shrubland

110 Ponderosa pine-grassland

203 Riparian woodland

207 Scrub oak mixed chaparral

208 Ceanothus mixed chaparral

209 Montane shrubland

210 Bitterbrush

212 Blackbush

213 Alpine grassland

215 Valley grassland

216 Montane meadows

301 Bluebunch wheatgrass-blue grama

302 Bluebunch wheatgrass-Sandberg bluegrass

303 Bluebunch wheatgrass-western wheatgrass

304 Idaho fescue-bluebunch wheatgrass

305 Idaho fescue-Richardson needlegrass

306 Idaho fescue-slender wheatgrass

307 Idaho fescue-threadleaf sedge

308 Idaho fescue-tufted hairgrass

309 Idaho fescue-western wheatgrass

310 Needle-and-thread-blue grama

311 Rough fescue-bluebunch wheatgrass

312 Rough fescue-Idaho fescue

314 Big sagebrush-bluebunch wheatgrass

315 Big sagebrush-Idaho fescue

316 Big sagebrush-rough fescue

317 Bitterbrush-bluebunch wheatgrass

318 Bitterbrush-Idaho fescue

319 Bitterbrush-rough fescue

320 Black sagebrush-bluebunch wheatgrass

321 Black sagebrush-Idaho fescue

322 Curlleaf mountain-mahogany-bluebunch wheatgrass

323 Shrubby cinquefoil-rough fescue

324 Threetip sagebrush-Idaho fescue

401 Basin big sagebrush

402 Mountain big sagebrush

403 Wyoming big sagebrush

404 Threetip sagebrush

405 Black sagebrush

406 Low sagebrush

407 Stiff sagebrush

408 Other sagebrush types

409 Tall forb

410 Alpine rangeland

411 Aspen woodland

412 Juniper-pinyon woodland

413 Gambel oak

414 Salt desert shrub

415 Curlleaf mountain-mahogany

416 True mountain-mahogany

417 Littleleaf mountain-mahogany

420 Snowbrush

421 Chokecherry-serviceberry-rose

422 Riparian

501 Saltbush-greasewood

503 Arizona chaparral

504 Juniper-pinyon pine woodland

509 Transition between oak-juniper woodland and mahogany-oak association

601 Bluestem prairie

602 Bluestem-prairie sandreed

603 Prairie sandreed-needlegrass

604 Bluestem-grama prairie

605 Sandsage prairie

606 Wheatgrass-bluestem-needlegrass

607 Wheatgrass-needlegrass

608 Wheatgrass-grama-needlegrass

609 Wheatgrass-grama

610 Wheatgrass

611 Blue grama-buffalo grass

612 Sagebrush-grass

613 Fescue grassland

614 Crested wheatgrass

709 Bluestem-grama

710 Bluestem prairie

715 Grama-buffalo grass

717 Little bluestem-Indiangrass-Texas wintergrass

720 Sand bluestem-little bluestem (dunes)

721 Sand bluestem-little bluestem (plains)

722 Sand sagebrush-mixed prairie

724 Sideoats grama-New Mexico feathergrass-winterfat

731 Cross timbers-Oklahoma

732 Cross timbers-Texas (little bluestem-post oak)

733 Juniper-oak

801 Savanna

802 Missouri prairie

803 Missouri glades

804 Tall fescue

805 Riparian

References:

115. Shiflet, Thomas N., ed. 1994. Rangeland cover types of the United States. Denver, CO: Society for Range Management. 152 p. [23362]

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Habitat: Cover Types

This species is known to occur in association with the following cover types (as classified by the Society of American Foresters):

More info for the term: cover

SAF COVER TYPES [37]:

14 Northern pin oak

40 Post oak-blackjack oak

42 Bur oak

43 Bear oak

44 Chestnut oak

46 Eastern redcedar

50 Black locust

51 White pine-chestnut oak

63 Cottonwood

66 Ashe juniper-redberry (Pinchot) juniper

76 Shortleaf pine-oak

78 Virginia pine-oak

80 Loblolly pine-shortleaf pine

110 Black oak

206 Engelmann spruce-subalpine fir

210 Interior Douglas-fir

217 Aspen

219 Limber pine

220 Rocky Mountain juniper

235 Cottonwood-willow

236 Bur oak

237 Interior ponderosa pine

238 Western juniper

239 Pinyon-juniper

240 Arizona cypress

241 Western live oak

243 Sierra Nevada mixed conifer

247 Jeffrey pine

References:

37. Eyre, F. H., ed. 1980. Forest cover types of the United States and Canada. Washington, DC: Society of American Foresters. 148 p. [905]

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Habitat: Plant Associations

This species is known to occur in association with the following plant community types (as classified by Küchler 1964):

More info for the term: shrub

KUCHLER [72] PLANT ASSOCIATIONS:

K005 Mixed conifer forest

K010 Ponderosa shrub forest

K012 Douglas-fir forest

K015 Western spruce-fir forest

K016 Eastern ponderosa forest

K017 Black Hills pine forest

K018 Pine-Douglas-fir forest

K019 Arizona pine forest

K021 Southwestern spruce-fir forest

K023 Juniper-pinyon woodland

K024 Juniper steppe woodland

K031 Oak-juniper woodland

K032 Transition between K031 and K037

K037 Mountain-mahogany-oak scrub

K038 Great Basin sagebrush

K039 Blackbrush

K040 Saltbush-greasewood

K050 Fescue-wheatgrass

K051 Wheatgrass-bluegrass

K052 Alpine meadows and barren

K055 Sagebrush steppe

K056 Wheatgrass-needlegrass shrubsteppe

K057 Galleta-threeawn shrubsteppe

K063 Foothills prairie

K064 Grama-needlegrass-wheatgrass

K065 Grama-buffalo grass

K066 Wheatgrass-needlegrass

K067 Wheatgrass-bluestem-needlegrass

K068 Wheatgrass-grama-buffalo grass

K069 Bluestem-grama prairie

K070 Sandsage-bluestem prairie

K074 Bluestem prairie

K075 Nebraska Sandhills prairie

K081 Oak savanna

K082 Mosaic of K074 and K100

K083 Cedar glades

K084 Cross Timbers

K086 Juniper-oak savanna

K089 Black Belt

K098 Northern floodplain forest

K100 Oak-hickory forest

K111 Oak-hickory-pine

References:

72. Kuchler, A. W. 1964. United States [Potential natural vegetation of the conterminous United States]. Special Publication No. 36. New York: American Geographical Society. 1:3,168,000; colored. [3455]

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Habitat: Ecosystem

This species is known to occur in the following ecosystem types (as named by the U.S. Forest Service in their Forest and Range Ecosystem [FRES] Type classification):

ECOSYSTEMS [42]:

FRES14 Oak-pine

FRES15 Oak-hickory

FRES17 Elm-ash-cottonwood

FRES20 Douglas-fir

FRES21 Ponderosa pine

FRES23 Fir-spruce

FRES28 Western hardwoods

FRES29 Sagebrush

FRES30 Desert shrub

FRES34 Chaparral-mountain shrub

FRES35 Pinyon-juniper

FRES36 Mountain grasslands

FRES37 Mountain meadows

FRES38 Plains grasslands

FRES39 Prairie

FRES40 Desert grasslands

FRES44 Alpine

References:

42. Garrison, George A.; Bjugstad, Ardell J.; Duncan, Don A.; Lewis, Mont E.; Smith, Dixie R. 1977. Vegetation and environmental features of forest and range ecosystems. Agric. Handb. 475. Washington, DC: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service. 68 p. [998]

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Dispersal

Establishment

Adaptation:White sage grows in riparian areas along both perennial and intermittent streams, in the sagebrush steppe, in both shortgrass and tallgrass prairies, and in semi-disturbed sites. It grows on dry, sandy to rocky soils below 3500 m.

Most of the wild sages are abundant in their natural habitats. White sage and other Artemisia species can be propagated by seeds, by division of the rootstock, or by cuttings taken in the early summer (Kindscher 1992).

Propagation from Cuttings: Artemisia ludoviciana spreads vigorously from rhizomes. Plants can easily be divided and replanted.

In greenhouse conditions, it is best to dig up and separate plants in late fall or winter. This is the “quiescent” period that follows seed maturation, and leaves are senescent (dried up and brown colored).

Split the plant clump into pieces by hand, then cut the plant into sections, each with one or more buds.

For dividing the whole plant, gently loosen the soil around the plant, taking care to not damage the roots, and then lift the plant gently with a pitchfork; shake off as much soil from the roots as possible.

Divide the plant into smaller pieces by hand, retaining only healthy, vigorous sections, each with new buds.

Replant the divisions as soon as possible. It is important the plants don’t dry out, so if replanting is delayed a couple of hours, dip the plants briefly in water and keep them in a sealed plastic bag in a cool, shady place until you are ready to plant them.

Cut back the old top-growth and replant the divided plant sections to the same depth as before.

When replanting, ensure that the roots are well spread out in the planting hole and the plant firmed in. Water newly planted divisions thoroughly; take care not to expose the roots by washing away soil when watering.

Plants should be planted in the full sun in a light, loose soil. Plants should be planted on 12-18” centers.

As plants are becoming established, the rooting zone needs to be kept moist.

Propagation by Seed: When the soil has warmed to at least 45ºF (7ºC) in the spring, sow hardy Artemisia species where they are to flowers.

Seeds can also be sown in pots or seed trays and either out-planted in their final positions in late fall or over-wintered in a cold frame to be out-planted in spring. This technique is particularly useful in gardens with clay soil that is slow to warm up in spring.

The two main methods of sowing outdoors are broadcast and drills. For both, prepare the seedbed first by digging over the soil to one spade depth, then rake over and firm.

Broadcast Sowing: Sprinkle seeds thinly and evenly on the surface of the prepared seedbed and rake them in lightly. Label the seedbeds, then water the area gently but thoroughly with a fine spray.

Sowing in drills: Use either a trowel tip or the corner of a hoe, mark out shallow drill holes 3-6” (8-15 cm) apart, depending on the ultimate size of the plant. Sow seeds thinly and evenly by sprinkling or placing them along each drill at the appropriate depth. Carefully cover with soil and pack firmly. Label each row and water gently but thoroughly with a fine spray.

To prevent overcrowding, the seedlings usually need to be thinned; to minimize disturbance to a seedling being retained, press the soil around it after thinning the adjacent seedlings.

Water the newly establishing seedlings fairly frequently until the roots have developed.

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Rights Holder:

USDA NRCS National Plant Data Center & University of California-Davis Arboretum

General Ecology

Fire Management Considerations

More info for the terms: cover, frequency, prescribed fire

Frequent fire and fire combined with grazing can substantially reduce prairie sage cover [25,26,127]. A study in Arizona chaparral recorded the following pounds per acre (oven-dry basis) of prairie sage and its percent contribution to herbage production on burned plots before and after burning [99]:

North slopes South slopes Prefire (1970) Postfire (1971) Prefire (1970) Postfire (1970) lb/acre (kg/ha) 50 (56) 39 (44) 111 (125) 67 (75) % production 4 2 9 4
One northeastern Kansas prescribed fire study in a big bluestem-little bluestem-Kentucky bluegrass community found that annual burning substantially reduced cover of prairie sage compared to 4-year-burn interval or no-burn treatments [26]. Other prescribed fire studies have demonstrated that frequent fire and fire combined with grazing significantly reduced (p<0.05) prairie sage cover on tallgrass prairie sites [1,25]. A study in northeastern Kansas tallgrass prairie (big bluestem-indiangrass-little bluestem-switchgrass) confirmed these effects, finding that prairie sage had higher relative cover on grazed, infrequently burned sites than on grazed sites in frequently burned areas. Prairie sage had 3% to 10% cover on ungrazed, infrequently burned areas, but <1% cover on ungrazed, frequently burned sites [127]. In contrast, prairie sage had significantly (p<0.05) greater frequency in burned areas than unburned areas after 13 years of annual burning in a Minnesota northern pin oak (Quercus ellipsoidalis) community [133].

References:

1. Abrams, Marc D.; Hulbert, Lloyd C. 1987. Effect of topographic position and fire on species composition in tallgrass prairie in northeast Kansas. The American Midland Naturalist. 117(2): 442-445. [291]
25. Collins, Scott L. 1987. Interaction of disturbances in tallgrass prairie: a field experiment. Ecology. 68(5): 1243-1250. [2708]
26. Collins, Scott L.; Glenn, Susan M.; Gibson, David J. 1995. Experimental analysis of intermediate disturbance and initial floristic composition: decoupling cause and effect. Ecology. 76(2): 486-492. [25697]
99. Pase, Charles P.; Knipe, O. D. 1977. Effect of winter burning on herbaceous cover on a converted chaparral watershed. Journal of Range Management. 30(5): 346-348. [1828]
127. Vinton, Mary Ann; Harnett, David C.; Finck, Elmer J.; Briggs, John M. 1993. Interactive effects of fire, bison (Bison bison) grazing and plant community composition in tallgrass prairie. The American Midland Naturalist. 129: 10-18. [20182]
133. White, Alan S. 1983. The effects of thirteen years of annual prescribed burning on a Quercus ellipsoidalis community in Minnesota. Ecology. 64(5): 1081-1085. [3518]

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Broad-scale Impacts of Plant Response to Fire

More info for the terms: cover, density, fire use, forbs, frequency, prescribed fire

Perennial forbs in grassland communities may be favored by fall
fires [16]. Prairie sage density and frequency have demonstrated increases
following fall and winter fires [3,16,121]. Following an autumn burn in a
Saskatchewan rough fescue prairie, density of prairie sage nearly recovered to
the control plot levels (23.7
stems/mÂ²) by the end of the 2nd growing season, reaching
20.3 stems/mÂ²;
however, density on the spring and summer burn plots was much lower
(9.7 and 3.3 stems/mÂ², respectively) [3]. On a
little bluestem mixed-grass prairie site in South Dakota,
prairie sage density increased with fall, spring, and summer burns, although only the fall burn
significantly (p<0.05) increased density [16]. After 8 years of annual burning during different
seasons in northeastern Kansas, frequency of prairie sage increased with fall and winter burning but
decreased with spring burning on both upland and lowland tallgrass (big
bluestem-little bluestem-indiangrass) prairie sites [121].

Response of prairie sage percent cover to fire is inconsistent. In a Kansas
big bluestem-little bluestem-indiangrass prairie, prairie sage percent cover
decreased with burning during any season on upland sites and with spring burning
on lowland sites after 8 years of burning during different seasons. On lowlands,
percent cover increased with fall and winter burning [121]. In an Alberta rough
fescue-porcupine grass grassland, canopy cover of prairie sage increased in the
1st postburn growing season following both a spring and a fall burn [9]. Becker [13]
also describes an increase in
foliage after spring burning in a Minnesota big bluestem-prairie dropseed
community. In an Arizona Santa Catalina Mountain Madrean oak community dominated
by Emory oak, Mexican blue oak, and Arizona white oak, another study
found a strong increase in prairie sage cover following burning, with cover
continuing to increase for 3 years after fire. The table below details changes
in prairie sage percent cover for 2 seasons following a June 1983 burn [21]:
Spring 1984Fall 1985AspectUnburnedBurnedUnburnedBurnedsouth4.121.892.896.82east 0.722.850.625.83north0.671.961.077.63
A study of prescribed fire on green needlegrass-western wheatgrass plains
grassland sites in North Dakota found no consistent
postfire effect on prairie sage cover [67].
The Research Project Summary Seasonal fires in Saskatchewan rough fescue prairie
provides information on prescribed fire use and postfire response of plains
grassland community species including prairie sage.

References:

13. Becker, Donald A. 1989. Five years of annual prairie burns. In: Bragg, Thomas A.; Stubbendieck, James, eds. Prairie pioneers: ecology, history and culture: Proceedings, 11th North American prairie conference; 1988 August 7-11; Lincoln, NE. Lincoln, NE: University of Nebraska: 163-168. [14037]
3. Archibold, O. W.; Ripley, E. A.; Delanoy, L. 2003. Effects of season of burning on the microenvironment of fescue prairie in central Saskatchewan. Canadian Field Naturalist. 117(2): 257-266. [48371]
9. Bailey, Arthur W.; Anderson, Murray L. 1978. Prescribed burning of a Festuca-Stipa grassland. Journal of Range Management. 31: 446-449. [373]
16. Biondini, M. E.; Steuter, A. A.; Grygiel, C. E. 1989. Seasonal fire effects on the diversity patterns, spatial distribution and community structure of forbs in the northern mixed prairie, USA. Vegetatio. 85: 21-31. [10180]
121. Towne, E. Gene; Kemp, Ken E. 2003. Vegetation dynamics from annually burning tallgrass prairie. Journal of Range Management. 56(2): 185-192. [47258]
21. Caprio, Anthony C.; Zwolinski, Malcolm J. 1995. Fire and vegetation in a Madrean oak woodland, Santa Catalina Mountains, southeastern Arizona. In: DeBano, Leonard F.; Ffolliott, Peter F.; Ortega-Rubio, Alfredo; [and others], technical coordinators. Biodiversity and management of the Madrean Archipelago: the sky islands of southwestern United States and northwestern Mexico: Proceedings; 1994 September 19-23; Tucson, AZ. Gen. Tech. Rep. RM-GRT-264. Fort Collins, CO: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Forest and Range Experiment Station: 389-398. [26246]
67. Kirch, Leo; Kruse, Arnold. 1978. Fire effects: mixed prairie - North Dakota. In: Prairie prescribed burning symposium and workshop: Proceedings; 1978 April 25-28; Jamestown, ND. [Place of publication unknown]: [Publisher unknown]. 5 p. On file with: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Research Station, Fire Sciences Lab, Missoula, MT. [30648]

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Plant Response to Fire

More info for the terms: cover, density

Prairie sage may sprout from rhizomes following fire [93,98], and increases in density and percent cover may occur after burning [41,74].

References:

74. Kunzler, L. M.; Harper, K. T.; Kunzler, D. B. 1981. Compositional similarity within the oakbrush type in central and northern Utah. The Great Basin Naturalist. 41(1): 147-153. [1390]
93. Moss, E. H. 1940. Interxylary cork in Artemisia with a reference to its taxonomic significance. American Journal of Botany. 27(9): 762-768. [48735]
98. Paschke, Mark W.; DeLeo, Claire; Redente, Edward F. 2000. Revegetation of roadcut slopes in Mesa Verde National Park, U.S.A. Restoration Ecology. 8(3): 276-282. [39033]
41. Forde, Jon D.; Sloan, Norman F.; Shown, Douglas A. 1984. Grassland Habitat management using prescribed burning in Wind Cave National Park, South Dakota. Prairie Naturalist. 16(3): 97-110. [938]

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Immediate Effect of Fire

More info for the term: prescribed burn

Prairie sage is presumably top-killed fire. Following a prescribed burn in a Saskatchewan rough fescue prairie, prairie sage was substantially reduced by fire [3].

References:

3. Archibold, O. W.; Ripley, E. A.; Delanoy, L. 2003. Effects of season of burning on the microenvironment of fescue prairie in central Saskatchewan. Canadian Field Naturalist. 117(2): 257-266. [48371]

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Post-fire Regeneration

More info for the terms: rhizome, shrub

POSTFIRE REGENERATION STRATEGY [117]:
Rhizomatous low woody plant, rhizome in organic mantle
Rhizomatous shrub, rhizome in soil

References:

117. Stickney, Peter F. 1989. FEIS postfire regeneration workshop--April 12: Seral origin of species comprising secondary plant succession in Northern Rocky Mountain forests. 10 p. Unpublished draft on file at: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Intermountain Research Station, Fire Sciences Laboratory, Missoula, MT. [20090]

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Fire Ecology

More info for the terms: fire management, fire regime, prescribed fire

Fire adaptations: When top-killed by fire, prairie sage may sprout from the bases of shoots and from rhizomes [93,98]. Some subspecies reproduce aggressively by spreading rhizomes, while others have weaker rhizomes [118].

FIRE REGIMES: Prairie sage is found in a wide variety of habitat types and plant communities, so FIRE REGIMES also vary widely. No specific information regarding the interaction between prairie sage and different FIRE REGIMES was found in the available literature. However, based on prescribed fire studies, frequent fire may substantially reduce prairie sage on a site. For more information on the effects of frequent burning, see Fire Management Considerations.

The following list provides fire return intervals for plant communities and ecosystems where prairie sage occurs. It may not be inclusive. If you are interested in plant communities or ecosystems that are not listed, see the complete FEIS fire regime table.

Community or Ecosystem Dominant Species Fire Return Interval Range (years) bluestem prairie Andropogon gerardii var. gerardii-Schizachyrium scoparium 71,100] Nebraska sandhills prairie A. g. var. paucipilus-Schizachyrium scoparium 100] silver sagebrush steppe Artemisia cana 5-45 [55,102,138] sagebrush steppe A. tridentata/Pseudoroegneria spicata 20-70 [100] basin big sagebrush A. t. var. tridentata 12-43 [110] mountain big sagebrush A. t. var. vaseyana 15-40 [6,20,88] Wyoming big sagebrush A. t. var. wyomingensis 10-70 (40**) [126,142] saltbush-greasewood Atriplex confertifolia-Sarcobatus vermiculatus < 35 to < 100 desert grasslands Bouteloua eriopoda and/or Pleuraphis mutica 5-100 [100] plains grasslands Bouteloua spp. 100,138] blue grama-needle-and-thread grass-western wheatgrass B. gracilis-Hesperostipa comata-Pascopyrum smithii 100,107,138] blue grama-buffalo grass B. g.-Buchloe dactyloides 100,138] California montane chaparral Ceanothus and/or Arctostaphylos spp. 50-100 [100] curlleaf mountain-mahogany* Cercocarpus ledifolius 13-1,000 [8,111] mountain-mahogany-Gambel oak scrub C. l.-Quercus gambelii < 35 to < 100 blackbrush Coleogyne ramosissima < 35 to < 100 Arizona cypress Cupressus arizonica < 35 to 200 juniper-oak savanna Juniperus ashei-Quercus virginiana < 35 Ashe juniper J. ashei < 35 western juniper J. occidentalis 20-70 Rocky Mountain juniper J. scopulorum 100] cedar glades J. virginiana 3-22 [49,100] wheatgrass plains grasslands Pascopyrum smithii 100,102,138] Engelmann spruce-subalpine fir Picea engelmannii-Abies lasiocarpa 35 to > 200 [5] pinyon-juniper Pinus-Juniperus spp. 100] Mexican pinyon P. cembroides 20-70 [91,120] Colorado pinyon P. edulis 10-400+ [40,45,66,100] Jeffrey pine P. jeffreyi 5-30 [5] interior ponderosa pine* P. ponderosa var. scopulorum 2-30 [5,10,75] Arizona pine P. p. var. arizonica 2-15 [10,27,112] eastern cottonwood Populus deltoides 100] quaking aspen (west of the Great Plains) P. tremuloides 7-120 [5,48,82] mountain grasslands Pseudoroegneria spicata 3-40 (10**) [4,5] Rocky Mountain Douglas-fir* Pseudotsuga menziesii var. glauca 25-100 [5,6,7] California mixed evergreen P. m. var. menziesii-Lithocarpus densiflorus-Arbutus menziesii < 35 California oakwoods Quercus spp. 5] oak-hickory Quercus-Carya spp. 129] oak-juniper woodland (Southwest) Quercus-Juniperus spp. 100] northern pin oak Q. ellipsoidalis < 35 bear oak Q. ilicifolia 129] California black oak Q. kelloggii 5-30 [100] bur oak Q. macrocarpa < 10 oak savanna Q. m./Andropogon gerardii-Schizachyrium scoparium 2-14 [100,129] chestnut oak Q. prinus 3-8 post oak-blackjack oak Q. stellata-Q. marilandica < 10 black oak Q. velutina 129] interior live oak Q. wislizenii 5] little bluestem-grama prairie Schizachyrium scoparium-Bouteloua spp. 100] elm-ash-cottonwood Ulmus-Fraxinus-Populus spp. 35,129] *fire return interval varies widely; trends in variation are noted in the species review
**mean

References:

20. Burkhardt, Wayne J.; Tisdale, E. W. 1976. Causes of juniper invasion in southwestern Idaho. Ecology. 57: 472-484. [565]
75. Laven, R. D.; Omi, P. N.; Wyant, J. G.; Pinkerton, A. S. 1980. Interpretation of fire scar data from a ponderosa pine ecosystem in the central Rocky Mountains, Colorado. In: Stokes, Marvin A.; Dieterich, John H., technical coordinators. Proceedings of the fire history workshop; 1980 October 20-24; Tucson, AZ. Gen. Tech. Rep. RM-81. Fort Collins, CO: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Forest and Range Experiment Station: 46-49. [7183]
4. Arno, Stephen F. 1980. Forest fire history in the Northern Rockies. Journal of Forestry. 78(8): 460-465. [11990]
5. Arno, Stephen F. 2000. Fire in western forest ecosystems. In: Brown, James K.; Smith, Jane Kapler, eds. Wildland fire in ecosystems: Effects of fire on flora. Gen. Tech. Rep. RMRS-GTR-42-vol. 2. Ogden, UT: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Research Station: 97-120. [36984]
6. Arno, Stephen F.; Gruell, George E. 1983. Fire history at the forest-grassland ecotone in southwestern Montana. Journal of Range Management. 36(3): 332-336. [342]
7. Arno, Stephen F.; Scott, Joe H.; Hartwell, Michael G. 1995. Age-class structure of old growth ponderosa pine/Douglas-fir stands and its relationship to fire history. Res. Pap. INT-RP-481. Ogden, UT: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Intermountain Research Station. 25 p. [25928]
8. Arno, Stephen F.; Wilson, Andrew E. 1986. Dating past fires in curlleaf mountain-mahogany communities. Journal of Range Management. 39(3): 241-243. [350]
10. Baisan, Christopher H.; Swetnam, Thomas W. 1990. Fire history on a desert mountain range: Rincon Mountain Wilderness, Arizona, U.S.A. Canadian Journal of Forest Research. 20: 1559-1569. [14986]
27. Cooper, Charles F. 1961. Pattern in ponderosa pine forests. Ecology. 42(3): 493-499. [5780]
40. Floyd, M. Lisa; Romme, William H.; Hanna, David D. 2000. Fire history and vegetation pattern in Mesa Verde National Park, Colorado, USA. Ecological Applications. 10(6): 1666-1680. [37590]
48. Gruell, G. E.; Loope, L. L. 1974. Relationships among aspen, fire, and ungulate browsing in Jackson Hole, Wyoming. Fort Collins, CO: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Forest and Range Experiment Station. 33 p. In cooperation with: U.S. Department of the Interior, National Park Service, Rocky Mountain Region. [3862]
49. Guyette, Richard; McGinnes, E. A., Jr. 1982. Fire history of an Ozark glade in Missouri. Transactions, Missouri Academy of Science. 16: 85-93. [5170]
82. Meinecke, E. P. 1929. Quaking aspen: A study in applied forest pathology. Tech. Bull. No. 155. Washington, DC: U.S. Department of Agriculture. 34 p. [26669]
88. Miller, Richard F.; Rose, Jeffery A. 1995. Historic expansion of Juniperus occidentalis (western juniper) in southeastern Oregon. The Great Basin Naturalist. 55(1): 37-45. [26637]
91. Moir, William H. 1982. A fire history of the High Chisos, Big Bend National Park, Texas. The Southwestern Naturalist. 27(1): 87-98. [5916]
93. Moss, E. H. 1940. Interxylary cork in Artemisia with a reference to its taxonomic significance. American Journal of Botany. 27(9): 762-768. [48735]
98. Paschke, Mark W.; DeLeo, Claire; Redente, Edward F. 2000. Revegetation of roadcut slopes in Mesa Verde National Park, U.S.A. Restoration Ecology. 8(3): 276-282. [39033]
102. Quinnild, Clayton L.; Cosby, Hugh E. 1958. Relicts of climax vegetation on two mesas in western North Dakota. Ecology. 39(1): 29-32. [1925]
107. Rowe, J. S. 1983. Concepts of fire effects on plant individuals and species. In: Wein, Ross W.; MacLean, David A., eds. The role of fire in northern circumpolar ecosystems. SCOPE 18. New York: John Wiley & Sons: 135-154. [2038]
110. Sapsis, David B. 1990. Ecological effects of spring and fall prescribed burning on basin big sagebrush/Idaho fescue--bluebunch wheatgrass communities. Corvallis, OR: Oregon State University. 105 p. Thesis. [16579]
111. Schultz, Brad W. 1987. Ecology of curlleaf mountain mahogany (Cercocarpus ledifolius) in western and central Nevada: population structure and dynamics. Reno, NV: University of Nevada. 111 p. Thesis. [7064]
118. Stranathan, Sam E.; Monsen, Stephen B. 1986. Selection of a cultivar of Artemisia ludoviciana for disturbed land plantings. In: McArthur, E. Durant; Welch, Bruce L., compilers. Proceedings--symposium of the biology of Artemisia and Chrysothamnus; 1984 July 9-13; Provo, UT. Gen. Tech. Rep. INT-200. Ogden, UT: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Intermountain Research Station: 108-113. [2263]
126. Vincent, Dwain W. 1992. The sagebrush/grasslands of the upper Rio Puerco area, New Mexico. Rangelands. 14(5): 268-271. [19698]
138. Wright, Henry A.; Bailey, Arthur W. 1982. Fire ecology: United States and southern Canada. New York: John Wiley & Sons. 501 p. [2620]
142. Young, James A.; Evans, Raymond A. 1981. Demography and fire history of a western juniper stand. Journal of Range Management. 34(6): 501-505. [2659]
45. Gottfried, Gerald J.; Swetnam, Thomas W.; Allen, Craig D.; [and others]. 1995. Pinyon-juniper woodlands. In: Finch, Deborah M.; Tainter, Joseph A., eds. Ecology, diversity, and sustainability of the Middle Rio Grande Basin. Gen. Tech. Rep. RM-GTR-268. Fort Collins, CO: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Forest and Range Experiment Station: 95-132. [26188]
55. Heyerdahl, Emily K.; Berry, Dawn; Agee, James K. 1994. Fire history database of the western United States. Final report. Interagency agreement: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency DW12934530; U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service PNW-93-0300; University of Washington 61-2239. Seattle, WA: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Pacific Northwest Research Station; University of Washington, College of Forest Resources. 28 p. [+ Appendices]. Unpublished report on file with: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Research Station, Fire Sciences Laboratory, Missoula, MT. [27979]
66. Keeley, Jon E. 1981. Reproductive cycles and FIRE REGIMES. In: Mooney, H. A.; Bonnicksen, T. M.; Christensen, N. L.; [and others], technical coordinators. FIRE REGIMES and ecosystem properties: Proceedings of the conference; 1978 December 11-15; Honolulu, HI. Gen. Tech. Rep. WO-26. Washington, DC: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service: 231-277. [4395]
100. Paysen, Timothy E.; Ansley, R. James; Brown, James K.; [and others]. 2000. Fire in western shrubland, woodland, and grassland ecosystems. In: Brown, James K.; Smith, Jane Kapler, eds. Wildland fire in ecosystems: Effects of fire on flora. Gen. Tech. Rep. RMRS-GTR-42-volume 2. Ogden, UT: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Research Station: 121-159. [36978]
112. Seklecki, Mariette T.; Grissino-Mayer, Henri D.; Swetnam, Thomas W. 1996. Fire history and the possible role of Apache-set fires in the Chiricahua Mountains of southeastern Arizona. In: Ffolliott, Peter F.; DeBano, Leonard F.; Baker, Malchus, B., Jr.; [and others], tech. coords. Effects of fire on Madrean Province ecosystems: a symposium proceedings; 1996 March 11-15; Tucson, AZ. Gen. Tech. Rep. RM-GTR-289. Fort Collins, CO: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Forest and Range Experiment Station: 238-246. [28082]
120. Swetnam, Thomas W.; Baisan, Christopher H.; Caprio, Anthony C.; Brown, Peter M. 1992. Fire history in a Mexican oak-pine woodland and adjacent montane conifer gallery forest in southeastern Arizona. In: Ffolliott, Peter F.; Gottfried, Gerald J.; Bennett, Duane A.; [and others], technical coordinators. Ecology and management of oak and associated woodlands: perspectives in the southwestern United States and northern Mexico: Proceedings; 1992 April 27-30; Sierra Vista, AZ. Gen. Tech. Rep. RM-218. Fort Collins, CO: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Forest and Range Experiment Station: 165-173. [19759]
129. Wade, Dale D.; Brock, Brent L.; Brose, Patrick H.; [and others]. 2000. Fire in eastern ecosystems. In: Brown, James K.; Smith, Jane Kapler, eds. Wildland fire in ecosystems: Effects of fire on flora. Gen. Tech. Rep. RMRS-GTR-42-vol. 2. Ogden, UT: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Research Station: 53-96. [36983]

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Successional Status

More info for the terms: cover, density, succession

Prairie sage is generally more abundant on sites subject to infrequent disturbance. Though found on both disturbed and undisturbed sites, Iverson and Wali [60] found that prairie sage was more prevalent on unmined areas than on mined areas. It increased in abundance over 17 years of succession on a Nebraska big bluestem-little bluestem prairie. During that time, sites were subject to some disturbance (4 years of grazing and at least 2 fires) [97]. Prairie sage may, however, form dense stands on recently disturbed sites [36,118]. It is frequently more prevalent following fire or clearing practices that reduce the dominant species. Prairie sage density may slowly diminish as other species recover and re-emerge where openings form [118]. Though often present and sometimes dominant in the initial (forb) stages of succession following fire [50,89,118], other studies demonstrate greater density and cover of prairie sage on unburned sites [94,122]. A comparison of unburned sites and annually burned sites in tallgrass prairie found that prairie sage dominated vegetation on the unburned sites [122].

References:

36. Eddleman, Lee E. 1977. Indigenous plants of southeastern Montana. I. Viability and suitability for reclamation in the Fort Union Basin. Special Publication 4. Missoula, MT: University of Montana, School of Forestry, Montana Forest and Conservation Experiment Station. 122 p. [42440]
50. Hanks, Jess P.; Dick-Peddie, W. A. 1974. Vegetation patterns of the White Mountains, New Mexico. The Southwestern Naturalist. 18(4): 371-382. [4635]
60. Iverson, Louis; Wali, Mohan K. 1982. Reclamation of coal mined lands: the role of Kochia scoparia and other pioneers in early succession. Reclamation and Revegetation Research. 1: 123-160. [30034]
89. Mitchell, John E. 1983. Overstory-understory relationships: Douglas-fir forests. In: Bartlett, E. T.; Betters, David R., eds. Overstory-understory relationships in western forests. Western Regional Research Publication No. 1. Fort Collins, CO: Colorado State University, Experiment Station: 27-34. [3314]
97. Nagel, Harold G. 1995. Vegetative changes during 17 years of succession on Willa Cather Prairie in Nebraska. In: Hartnett, David C., ed. Prairie biodiversity: Proceedings, 14th North American prairie conference; 1994 July 12-16; Manhattan, KS. Manhattan, KS: Kansas State University: 25-30. [28223]
118. Stranathan, Sam E.; Monsen, Stephen B. 1986. Selection of a cultivar of Artemisia ludoviciana for disturbed land plantings. In: McArthur, E. Durant; Welch, Bruce L., compilers. Proceedings--symposium of the biology of Artemisia and Chrysothamnus; 1984 July 9-13; Provo, UT. Gen. Tech. Rep. INT-200. Ogden, UT: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Intermountain Research Station: 108-113. [2263]
122. Towne, Gene; Owensby, Clenton. 1984. Long-term effects of annual burning at different dates in ungrazed Kansas tallgrass prairie. Journal of Range Management. 37(5): 392-397. [2357]
94. Mowat, Catherine. 1990. Fire effects study for Quail Flats Fire, Dinosaur Provincial Park. Calgary, AB: Alberta Recreation, Parks and Wildlife Foundation, Dinosaur National Park. 37 p. [+ appendices]. On file with: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Intermountain Research Station, Fire Sciences Laboratory, Missoula, MT. [17454]

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Regeneration Processes

More info for the term: monoecious

Prairie sage reproduces both vegetatively and by seed, with vegetative reproduction very common [54].

Breeding system: Prairie sage is monoecious [118].

Pollination: Prairie sage is self- and wind pollinated [57,118].

Seed production: Most subspecies produce seed "adequately" [118]. The outer florets of prairie sage are usually sterile, while the inner florets are usually fertile [119].

Seed dispersal: Prairie sage seeds are spread by wind, gravity, and water [123].

Seed banking: Prairie sage seed can last 4 to 6 years in warehouse storage [114]. As of this writing (2005), there is no information on viability of soil-stored seed.

Germination: No information is available on this topic. For information on artificial germination of prairie sage, see Management Considerations.

Seedling establishment/growth: Prairie sage dies back at the end of the season, so annual production is equivalent to total aboveground mass at the end of the growing season [54,118].

Asexual regeneration: Prairie sage forms new aerial shoots from the bases of earlier shoots and from slender horizontal rhizomes [93,98]. Some subspecies reproduce aggressively by spreading rhizomes, while others express weaker rhizomes [118,123]. When strongly rhizomatous, prairie sage can form colonies up to 50 feet (15 m) in diameter. A study in Montana found that on wet sites colonies advanced in all directions, but on dry sites colonies increased in diameter only in wet microsites (e.g. drainage depressions) [54].

References:

54. Harvey, Stephen John. 1981. Life history and reproductive strategies in Artemisia. Bozeman, MT: Montana State University. 132 p. Thesis. [1102]
93. Moss, E. H. 1940. Interxylary cork in Artemisia with a reference to its taxonomic significance. American Journal of Botany. 27(9): 762-768. [48735]
98. Paschke, Mark W.; DeLeo, Claire; Redente, Edward F. 2000. Revegetation of roadcut slopes in Mesa Verde National Park, U.S.A. Restoration Ecology. 8(3): 276-282. [39033]
114. Shaw, Nancy L.; Monsen, Stephen B. 1990. Use of sagebrush for improvement of wildlife habitat. In: Fisser, Herbert G., ed. Wyoming shrublands: Aspen, sagebrush and wildlife management: Proceedings, 17th Wyoming shrub ecology workshop; 1988 June 21-22; Jackson, WY. Laramie, WY: University of Wyoming, Department of Range Management; Shrub Ecology Workshop: 19-35. [22929]
118. Stranathan, Sam E.; Monsen, Stephen B. 1986. Selection of a cultivar of Artemisia ludoviciana for disturbed land plantings. In: McArthur, E. Durant; Welch, Bruce L., compilers. Proceedings--symposium of the biology of Artemisia and Chrysothamnus; 1984 July 9-13; Provo, UT. Gen. Tech. Rep. INT-200. Ogden, UT: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Intermountain Research Station: 108-113. [2263]
119. Stubbendieck, James; Nichols, James T.; Butterfield, Charles H. 1989. Nebraska range and pasture forbs and shrubs (including succulent plants). Extension Circular 89-118. Lincoln, NE: University of Nebraska, Nebraska Cooperative Extension. 153 p. [10168]
57. Hilty, John. 2005. White sage--Artemisia ludoviciana gnaphaalodes, [Online]. In: Illinois wildflowers--prairie wildflowers. John Hilty (Producer). Available: http://www.illinoiswildflowers.info/prairie/plantx/white_sagex.htm [2005, March 17]. [52735]
123. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Walla Walla District. 1998. Appendix table 3 - Literature review of plant species common in the Snake River region, based on several published works listed in the reference section, [Online]. In: Lower Snake River junvenile salmon migration fesibility study: Regeneration potential of vegetation on newly exposed riverside shoreline. Walla Walla, WA: U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (Producer). Available: http://www.nww.usace.army.mil/lsr/REPORTS/VEGETATION/tab3a.htm [2005, March 17]. [52739]

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Growth Form (according to Raunkiær Life-form classification)

More info for the term: geophyte

RAUNKIAER [104] LIFE FORM:
Geophyte

References:

104. Raunkiaer, C. 1934. The life forms of plants and statistical plant geography. Oxford: Clarendon Press. 632 p. [2843]

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Life Form

More info for the terms: forb, shrub

Forb-shrub

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Cyclicity

Phenology

Stem growth of prairie sage occurs from April to mid-May [54]. Prairie sage flowers from June to October [36,54,54,114,119], with seed maturation and dissemination from October through December [36,54,114]. Winter dormancy lasts from October through late March [54].

References:

36. Eddleman, Lee E. 1977. Indigenous plants of southeastern Montana. I. Viability and suitability for reclamation in the Fort Union Basin. Special Publication 4. Missoula, MT: University of Montana, School of Forestry, Montana Forest and Conservation Experiment Station. 122 p. [42440]
54. Harvey, Stephen John. 1981. Life history and reproductive strategies in Artemisia. Bozeman, MT: Montana State University. 132 p. Thesis. [1102]
114. Shaw, Nancy L.; Monsen, Stephen B. 1990. Use of sagebrush for improvement of wildlife habitat. In: Fisser, Herbert G., ed. Wyoming shrublands: Aspen, sagebrush and wildlife management: Proceedings, 17th Wyoming shrub ecology workshop; 1988 June 21-22; Jackson, WY. Laramie, WY: University of Wyoming, Department of Range Management; Shrub Ecology Workshop: 19-35. [22929]
119. Stubbendieck, James; Nichols, James T.; Butterfield, Charles H. 1989. Nebraska range and pasture forbs and shrubs (including succulent plants). Extension Circular 89-118. Lincoln, NE: University of Nebraska, Nebraska Cooperative Extension. 153 p. [10168]

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Molecular Biology

Statistics of barcoding coverage: Artemisia ludoviciana

Barcode of Life Data Systems (BOLDS) Stats
Public Records: 4
Specimens with Barcodes: 4
Species With Barcodes: 1

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Barcode of Life Data Systems

Conservation Status

Prairie sage is state-listed as threatened in Michigan [124].

References:

124. U.S. Department of Agriculture, National Resource Conservation Service. 2005. PLANTS database (2004), [Online]. Available: http://plants.usda.gov/. [34262]

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National NatureServe Conservation Status

Canada

Rounded National Status Rank: N5 - Secure

United States

Rounded National Status Rank: N5 - Secure

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NatureServe

NatureServe Conservation Status

Rounded Global Status Rank: G5 - Secure

Reasons: Widespread.

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NatureServe

Status

Please consult the PLANTS Web site and your State Department of Natural Resources for this plant’s current status, such as, state noxious status and wetland indicator values.

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USDA NRCS National Plant Data Center & University of California-Davis Arboretum

Management

Management considerations

More info for the terms: density, ramet

While some authors report increased prairie sage growth in response to
grazing [2,119], others have found prairie sage in substantially lower density
on grazed sites than on ungrazed sites [19]. Based on clipping experiments, low
tolerance of prairie sage to grazing is expected, because grazing reduces shoot growth rates as well as the
number and length of shoot branches per ramet. However, prairie sage may produce more
rhizomes in response to defoliation [30].

References:

2. Anderson, Kling L.; Smith, Ed F.; Owensby, Clenton E. 1970. Burning bluestem range. Journal of Range Management. 23: 81-92. [323]
119. Stubbendieck, James; Nichols, James T.; Butterfield, Charles H. 1989. Nebraska range and pasture forbs and shrubs (including succulent plants). Extension Circular 89-118. Lincoln, NE: University of Nebraska, Nebraska Cooperative Extension. 153 p. [10168]
19. Brand, M. D.; Goetz, H. 1978. Secondary succession of a mixed grass community in southwestern North Dakota. Annual Proceedings of the North Dakota Academy of Science. 32(2): 67-78. [7512]
30. Damhoureyeh, Said A.; Harnett, David C. 2002. Variation in grazing tolerance among three tallgrass prairie plant species. American Journal of Botany. 89(10): 1634-1643. [44582]

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Cultivars, improved and selected materials (and area of origin)

‘Silver Bouquet’, ‘Silver Frost’, ‘Silver King’, ‘Silver Queen’, and ‘Valerie Finnis’ are several cultivars that have been used in varies planting throughout the range of Artemisia ludoviciana. Consult your local nurseries to choose the right cultivar for your specific landscape. ARLU is available through your regional native plant nursuries within the species range.

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USDA NRCS National Plant Data Center & University of California-Davis Arboretum

Benefits

Uses

Ethnobotanic: Burning white sage and “smudge sticks” (the process of harvesting sage stems and tying the stem together into a “smudge stick”), was and is used for cleansing and purification (Gilmore 1977, Kindscher 1992). White sage or “man sage” was perhaps the most important ceremonial plant of the Cheyenne (Hart 1976). The sage was spread along the borders and on the altar in almost every ceremonial lodge (including the stone peoples lodge or sweat lodge) with the flowering end toward the fire. The leaves were burned as an incense to cleanse and drive away bad spirits, evil influences, bad

dreams, bad thoughts, and sickness. A small pinch of baneberry (Actea rubra) was often mixed with it for this purpose. The smoke was used to purify people, spaces, implements, utensils, horses, and rifles in various ceremonies. The Lakota also make bracelets for the Sun Dance from white sage (Rogers 1980). The Cheyenne use the white sage in their Sun Dance and Standing Against Thunder ceremonies (Hart 1976). Other tribes who used white sage include the Arapaho, Comanche, Gros Ventre, Creek, Navaho, Tewa, and Ute (Nickerson 1966, Carlson and Jones 1939, Hart 1976, Thwaites 1905, Denig 1855, Elmore 1944, Robbins et al. 1916, Chamberlin 1909).

The Dakota and other tribes used white sage tea for stomach troubles and many other ailments (Gilmore 1977). The Cheyenne used the crushed leaves as snuff for sinus attacks, nosebleeds, and headaches (Hart 1976). The Crow made a salve for use on sores by mixing white sage with neck-muscle fat (probably from buffalo) (Hart 1976). They used a strong tea as an astringent for eczema and as a deodorant and an antiperspirant for underarms and feet. The Kiowa made a bitter drink from white sage, which they used to reduce phlegm and to relieve a variety of lung and stomach complaints (Vestal and Shultes 1939). Usually, they chewed the stem and leaves and swallowed the juice.

The Kiowa-Apaches used a thin, sharp-pointed section of the stem as a moxa to relieve headaches or other pain (Jordan 1965). The Chinese also use an Artemisia species as a moxa to relieve pain such as arthritis. The Kiowa also used an infusion of white sage plants for the lungs, to cut phlegm, and for stomach trouble. The Mesquakie used the leaves as a poultice to “cure sores of long standing” (Smith 1928). They also made a tea of the leaves to treat tonsillitis and sore throat and a smudge of the leaves to drive away mosquitoes. The Omaha used the leaves in a tea for bathing and used the powdered leaves to stop nosebleeds (Gilmore 1913).

Both the Pawnee and the Bannock women drank Artemisia ludoviciana tea during their moon time, or menstrual periods (Dunbar 1880). During the time that women lived away from their lodges in a menstrual hut, they drank the bitter tea made from either the leaves of white sage or the root of A. frigida (Gilmore 1930).

The Blackfeet use the white sage in sweat-lodge rituals and as an ingredient in a stream vapor inhaled for respiratory problems. The “Giver of Breath” heals the ability to breathe with this powerful plant medicine.

According to Moerman (1986) Artemisia ludoviciana was used for the following:

The Fox used a poultice of leaves to heal old sores, a burning smudge to drive away mosquitoes and to “smoke ponies when they have the distemper”, and an infusion of leaves to heal tonsillitis and sore throats.

The Omaha used the leaves as a bath for fevers and to prevent nosebleeds.

The Paiute used a decoction of the plant as a soaking bath to relieve aching feet, to heal stomachaches, as a poultice for rheumatism or other aches, as a poultice or compress for headaches, to stop diarrhea, in a sweatbath for rheumatism, and to relieve the itching and discomfort of rashes and skin eruptions.

The Shoshone took white sage for colds, coughs, headaches, stomachaches, as a compress for fevers, to stop diarrhea, as a physic, as a regulator of menstrual disorders, and for influenza.

The Washoe used white sage as a cooling, aromatic wash for headaches, colds, and coughs.

The lactone glycosides, santonin and artemisin, are probably found in all Artemisia species and account for their anthelmintic properties (Moore 1979). Thujone, a terpene-like ketone and essential oil, is also found in the plant and may be responsible for some of its medicinal effects (Kinscher 1992). However, it is poisonous in large doses. The Food and Drug Administration classifies Artemisia as an unsafe herb containing “a volatile oil which is an active narcotic poison” (Duke 1985).

Wildlife & Livestock: Sagebrush furnishes essential cover for many of the smaller desert animals (Martin et al. 1951). Its foliage and flower clusters constitute most of the diet of the sage grouse, and these parts together with the twigs bearing them are the primary source of food for antelope and mule deer. Range cattle also make good use of sagebrush as forage. Other mammals, which browse the foliage and stems, include jackrabbits, black-tailed rabbits, white-tailed rabbits, cottontails, chipmunks, gophers, ground squirrels, and various species of mice, prairie dogs, kangaroo rats, and white-throated wood rats. Elk and mountain sheep also browse on the foliage and twigs.

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