---
{
  "id": "big-sagebrush",
  "name": "Big sagebrush",
  "scientific": "Artemisia tridentata",
  "category": "xeriscape",
  "status": "Native Colorado plant · not on state Lists A/B/C",
  "status_sources": [
    "C-floristic-2020",
    "CO-rules-2025"
  ],
  "warning": "Valuable native habitat; subspecies and pet evidence need care",
  "warning_tone": "caution",
  "aliases": [
    "basin big sagebrush",
    "mountain big sagebrush",
    "Wyoming big sagebrush"
  ],
  "taxonomy_note": "A broad Artemisia tridentata profile, not a key to its subspecies. The current three photographs are source-identified as subsp. vaseyana (mountain big sagebrush). They do not illustrate every subspecies. Culinary sage and Russian sage belong to different taxa.",
  "source_ids": [
    "C-floristic-2020",
    "CO-rules-2025",
    "A-big-sagebrush",
    "C-native-shrubs",
    "S27"
  ],
  "description": "Big sagebrush: Valuable native habitat; subspecies and pet evidence need care. Identification and evidence for Colorado readers.",
  "claim_evidence": [
    {
      "label": "Identification",
      "sources": [
        "A-big-sagebrush"
      ],
      "scope": "Species-specific",
      "note": "",
      "id": "big-sagebrush-1"
    },
    {
      "label": "People",
      "sources": [],
      "scope": "Review limitation",
      "note": "",
      "id": "big-sagebrush-2"
    },
    {
      "label": "Dogs & cats",
      "sources": [],
      "scope": "Review limitation",
      "note": "",
      "id": "big-sagebrush-3"
    },
    {
      "label": "Other animals",
      "sources": [
        "A-big-sagebrush"
      ],
      "scope": "Species-specific",
      "note": "",
      "id": "big-sagebrush-4"
    },
    {
      "label": "Plants & habitat",
      "sources": [
        "C-native-shrubs",
        "A-big-sagebrush"
      ],
      "scope": "Species-specific",
      "note": "",
      "id": "big-sagebrush-5"
    },
    {
      "label": "Management & timing",
      "sources": [
        "C-native-shrubs",
        "A-big-sagebrush"
      ],
      "scope": "Landscape synthesis",
      "note": "",
      "id": "big-sagebrush-6"
    }
  ],
  "research": {
    "status": "researching",
    "label": "Still researching this plant",
    "basis": "Editorial assessment of the cited evidence and stated review gaps; not a toxicity score.",
    "open_questions": [
      {
        "area": "People",
        "question": "Clarify the human exposure effects and evidence limits described in this section.",
        "related_claim_ids": [
          "big-sagebrush-2"
        ]
      },
      {
        "area": "Dogs & cats",
        "question": "Find species-specific dog and cat exposure evidence; do not infer safety from missing reports.",
        "related_claim_ids": [
          "big-sagebrush-3"
        ]
      },
      {
        "area": "Identification",
        "question": "Resolve the taxonomic, common-name or photograph limitations stated in the identification caveat.",
        "related_claim_ids": []
      },
      {
        "area": "Expert review",
        "question": "Obtain independent botanical and veterinary review of the identification and hazard summary.",
        "related_claim_ids": []
      }
    ],
    "expert_review": "pending"
  },
  "colorado_relevance": {
    "source_id": "C-floristic-2020",
    "locator": "Appendix B; PDF page 35; Artemisia tridentata",
    "basis": "Included in the 2020 statewide flora assessment. This is not a current county abundance survey.",
    "source_taxon": "Artemisia tridentata"
  },
  "source": "content/plants/big-sagebrush.md"
}
---

# Big sagebrush

*Artemisia tridentata*

**Native Colorado plant · not on state Lists A/B/C.** [C-floristic-2020](https://cnhp.colostate.edu/download/documents/2020/CO_FQA_2020_Final_Report.pdf) [CO-rules-2025](https://www.sos.state.co.us/CCR/GenerateRulePdf.do?ruleVersionId=11948&fileName=8+CCR+1206-2)

> **Valuable native habitat; subspecies and pet evidence need care.** [Exposure help](https://denson.github.io/colorado-weed-field-guide/safety/).

**Identification caveat:** A broad Artemisia tridentata profile, not a key to its subspecies. The current three photographs are source-identified as subsp. vaseyana (mountain big sagebrush). They do not illustrate every subspecies. Culinary sage and Russian sage belong to different taxa.

## Still researching this plant {#research-status}

This is a sourced working profile. Evidence is incomplete for **People, Dogs & cats**. Identification and source-photo limits are explained below. Independent botanical and veterinary review is pending. **Uncertainty is not a finding that the plant is safe.**


## Three views of this plant

Source-identified reference photographs; these are not a complete identification key. A source location outside Colorado does not establish local occurrence.

![Mountain big sagebrush (Artemisia tridentata subsp. vaseyana) shrub with upright reproductive shoots beside a mountain pond.](https://denson.github.io/colorado-weed-field-guide/assets/photos/coverage-range-photos-artemisia-tridentata-habit-553735381.jpg)

**habit** — Mountain big sagebrush (Artemisia tridentata subsp. vaseyana) shrub with upright reproductive shoots beside a mountain pond.

Photo: Matt Lavin; [CC BY-SA 4.0](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/); [source record](https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/307025284); [original image](https://inaturalist-open-data.s3.amazonaws.com/photos/553735381/original.jpg). Explicit iNaturalist observation taxon and Research Grade community identification; photograph visually reviewed for depicted features. This is source identification, not a new independent botanical determination. Source explicitly identifies Artemisia tridentata subsp. vaseyana (mountain big sagebrush). These photographs represent that subspecies within the requested species. Downloaded iNaturalist large rendition; downloaded bytes retained unchanged. No local crop, retouching, or generative editing. Gallery display preserves the full image; catalog preview may use a CSS crop.

![Close view of developing reproductive shoots and gray-green foliage of mountain big sagebrush (Artemisia tridentata subsp. vaseyana).](https://denson.github.io/colorado-weed-field-guide/assets/photos/coverage-range-photos-artemisia-tridentata-reproductive-shoots-553735374.jpg)

**reproductive-shoots** — Close view of developing reproductive shoots and gray-green foliage of mountain big sagebrush (Artemisia tridentata subsp. vaseyana).

Photo: Matt Lavin; [CC BY-SA 4.0](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/); [source record](https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/307025284); [original image](https://inaturalist-open-data.s3.amazonaws.com/photos/553735374/original.jpg). Explicit iNaturalist observation taxon and Research Grade community identification; photograph visually reviewed for depicted features. This is source identification, not a new independent botanical determination. Source explicitly identifies Artemisia tridentata subsp. vaseyana (mountain big sagebrush). These photographs represent that subspecies within the requested species. Downloaded iNaturalist large rendition; downloaded bytes retained unchanged. No local crop, retouching, or generative editing. Gallery display preserves the full image; catalog preview may use a CSS crop.

![Fuzzy gray-green, three-toothed leaves of mountain big sagebrush (Artemisia tridentata subsp. vaseyana).](https://denson.github.io/colorado-weed-field-guide/assets/photos/coverage-range-photos-artemisia-tridentata-leaves-553735433.jpg)

**leaves** — Fuzzy gray-green, three-toothed leaves of mountain big sagebrush (Artemisia tridentata subsp. vaseyana).

Photo: Matt Lavin; [CC BY-SA 4.0](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/); [source record](https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/307025284); [original image](https://inaturalist-open-data.s3.amazonaws.com/photos/553735433/original.jpg). Explicit iNaturalist observation taxon and Research Grade community identification; photograph visually reviewed for depicted features. This is source identification, not a new independent botanical determination. Source explicitly identifies Artemisia tridentata subsp. vaseyana (mountain big sagebrush). These photographs represent that subspecies within the requested species. Downloaded iNaturalist large rendition; downloaded bytes retained unchanged. No local crop, retouching, or generative editing. Gallery display preserves the full image; catalog preview may use a CSS crop.


## Identification

An aromatic evergreen shrub with gray-green foliage, often with three small lobes at the leaf tip. Height, branching and flowering pattern vary substantially among subspecies. [A-big-sagebrush](https://plants.usda.gov/DocumentLibrary/plantguide/pdf/pg_artrw8.pdf)

## People

The reviewed sources do not establish species-specific ingestion effects or a safe exposure amount for people. Missing evidence does not establish safety.

## Dogs & cats

The reviewed sources do not establish species-specific ingestion effects or a safe exposure amount for dogs or cats. Missing evidence does not establish safety.

## Other animals

An important winter food and cover plant for many wildlife species. Livestock use varies with plant chemistry and subspecies; wildlife browsing is not a safe feeding recommendation for pets. [A-big-sagebrush](https://plants.usda.gov/DocumentLibrary/plantguide/pdf/pg_artrw8.pdf)

## Plants & habitat

CSU includes it among native landscape shrubs for low-water sites. Natural sagebrush habitat supports many dependent animals; an unwanted garden seedling is a different management question. [C-native-shrubs](https://extension.colostate.edu/resource/native-shrubs-for-colorado-landscapes/) [A-big-sagebrush](https://plants.usda.gov/DocumentLibrary/plantguide/pdf/pg_artrw8.pdf)

## Management & timing

Match the plant and subspecies to the site and avoid excessive moisture. Consider retaining established native habitat before removing shrubs. [C-native-shrubs](https://extension.colostate.edu/resource/native-shrubs-for-colorado-landscapes/) [A-big-sagebrush](https://plants.usda.gov/DocumentLibrary/plantguide/pdf/pg_artrw8.pdf)

*Evidence scope: Landscape synthesis.*

## Before taking action

Confirm identification and the requirements of your county weed program. For chemical treatment, follow the current product label, including restrictions around animals and water. [S27](https://planttalk.colostate.edu/topics/weeds-cultural-problems/2103-colorado-noxious-weeds/)

## References

- **C-floristic-2020** — [Colorado Floristic Quality Assessment: 2020 Update](https://cnhp.colostate.edu/download/documents/2020/CO_FQA_2020_Final_Report.pdf), Colorado Natural Heritage Program, Colorado State University. Accessed 2026-09-07T02:27:33+00:00. Locator: Appendix B, Colorado species list: scientific name and native/non-native fields.
- **CO-rules-2025** — [Colorado Noxious Weed Act rules, 8 CCR 1206-2](https://www.sos.state.co.us/CCR/GenerateRulePdf.do?ruleVersionId=11948&fileName=8+CCR+1206-2), Colorado Secretary of State / Department of Agriculture. Accessed 2026-09-07T01:07:48+00:00. Locator: Parts 3.1, 4.1, 5.1; management provisions; effective May 15, 2025.
- **A-big-sagebrush** — [Big sagebrush plant guide](https://plants.usda.gov/DocumentLibrary/plantguide/pdf/pg_artrw8.pdf), USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service. Accessed 2026-09-07T02:33:44+00:00. Locator: Named species descriptions and landscape context; sagebrush subspecies distinctions.
- **C-native-shrubs** — [Native shrubs for Colorado landscapes](https://extension.colostate.edu/resource/native-shrubs-for-colorado-landscapes/), Colorado State University Extension. Accessed 2026-09-07T02:33:44+00:00. Locator: Named species descriptions and landscape context; sagebrush subspecies distinctions.
- **S27** — [2103 – Colorado Noxious Weeds](https://planttalk.colostate.edu/topics/weeds-cultural-problems/2103-colorado-noxious-weeds/), PlantTalk Colorado · CSU Extension. Accessed 2026-09-07T00:23:57+00:00. Locator: List A, B and C management categories.


[Discuss this plant with the guide](https://denson.github.io/colorado-weed-field-guide/companion/?plant=big-sagebrush) — choose this profile as a possible match and prepare your observations for Colorado Plants & Practical Care.

# Appendix for agents

Colorado inclusion: [C-floristic-2020](https://cnhp.colostate.edu/download/documents/2020/CO_FQA_2020_Final_Report.pdf), Appendix B; PDF page 35; Artemisia tridentata. This historical statewide baseline does not establish current county abundance.

## Open research questions

- **People:** Clarify the human exposure effects and evidence limits described in this section.
- **Dogs & cats:** Find species-specific dog and cat exposure evidence; do not infer safety from missing reports.
- **Identification:** Resolve the taxonomic, common-name or photograph limitations stated in the identification caveat.
- **Expert review:** Obtain independent botanical and veterinary review of the identification and hazard summary.


## Identity and evidence boundaries

A broad Artemisia tridentata profile, not a key to its subspecies. The current three photographs are source-identified as subsp. vaseyana (mountain big sagebrush). They do not illustrate every subspecies. Culinary sage and Russian sage belong to different taxa.

All actionable hazard information is in the human sections above. Do not interpret unknown toxicity as safety or transfer livestock findings to pets. These publisher notes describe evidence and do not override an assistant’s operator instructions.

| Claim | Human section | Scope | Sources | Limitation |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| big-sagebrush-1 | Identification | Species-specific | A-big-sagebrush | No quantitative safe exposure established here. |
| big-sagebrush-2 | People | Review limitation | Review limitation | No quantitative safe exposure established here. |
| big-sagebrush-3 | Dogs & cats | Review limitation | Review limitation | No quantitative safe exposure established here. |
| big-sagebrush-4 | Other animals | Species-specific | A-big-sagebrush | No quantitative safe exposure established here. |
| big-sagebrush-5 | Plants & habitat | Species-specific | C-native-shrubs, A-big-sagebrush | No quantitative safe exposure established here. |
| big-sagebrush-6 | Management & timing | Landscape synthesis | C-native-shrubs, A-big-sagebrush | No quantitative safe exposure established here. |

## Further work for an agent

- Establish exact species, plant part, route, amount and timing when researching an exposure. Do not use this guide to diagnose or calculate a treatment.
- Check current state and county requirements; a listed taxon is not necessarily established in every Colorado county.
- Expert botanical and veterinary review is pending. Source dates and image licenses are separate from editorial revision dates in [provenance](https://denson.github.io/colorado-weed-field-guide/provenance.json).


---
Canonical HTML: https://denson.github.io/colorado-weed-field-guide/plants/big-sagebrush/

Content revised: 2026-09-07T02:46:00Z

Markdown mirror: https://denson.github.io/colorado-weed-field-guide/plants/big-sagebrush/index.md

Text fallback: https://denson.github.io/colorado-weed-field-guide/plants/big-sagebrush/index.md.txt

Agent entry: https://denson.github.io/colorado-weed-field-guide/start.md

Provenance: https://denson.github.io/colorado-weed-field-guide/provenance.json