Fringed Sage

Artemisia frigida

Asteraceae

• Spokane Native
• Sun
• Size: 1.5' tall x 2’ wide 
• Drought Tolerant: Yes
• Evergreen: Semi-evergreen
• Flowers Color: Yellow (July-September)
• Wildlife Value:  Provides high-quality winter forage for pronghorn, elk, grouse, sage grouse, and white-tailed jackrabbits; host plant for several butterfly and moth species; aromatic foliage; wind-pollinated

Fringed Sage is a delightful native mat-forming perennial growing 6-18 inches tall and spreading 18-24 inches wide from a woody base. It thrives in full sun and is extremely drought-tolerant, making it ideal for the harshest xeric sites. This hardy species grows naturally throughout the western United States from the Great Plains to the Rocky Mountains, on dry well-drained slopes from foothills to elevations exceeding 10,000 feet. It tolerates a wide range of poor soils including gravelly, sandy, and rocky conditions. The plant has an adaptable root system—developing deep taproots in dry soils but shallower branching roots where moisture is more available.

The gorgeous foliage is the plant's main ornamental feature—soft, feathery, deeply lobed gray-green leaves are densely covered with silky silvery hairs, creating a luxuriant velvety texture and appearance. The tufted leaves form attractive low mats or mounds with erect stems, giving a delicate, fine-textured effect despite the plant's toughness. From midsummer through early fall, tiny yellow flowers appear in tight clusters at the base of leaves on non-branching stems. While inconspicuous, the flowers are finely haired and add subtle interest. The entire plant is strongly aromatic with a sweet camphor-like or sage-like fragrance that intensifies after rain or when leaves are crushed, making it one of the most pleasantly scented native sages.

Fringed Sage provides important wildlife value, particularly as high-quality winter forage when other plants are dormant. Pronghorn, elk, grouse, and white-tailed jackrabbits consume the aromatic foliage. The plant serves as host for several butterfly and moth species. Indigenous peoples used fringed sage extensively—Blackfoot, Cree, Tewa, and Zuni tribes used it medicinally for coughs, colds, wounds, heartburn, headache, fever, gastritis, and indigestion. The Zuni made infusions for colds and used sprigs ceremonially with corn plantings. The soft, fragrant foliage was used to stuff pillows and cradles. When burned, the dried leaves repel mosquitoes. The plant has veterinary applications and ceremonial uses. The silvery beauty and low-maintenance nature earned it the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit.

Perfect for rock gardens, xeric groundcover, erosion control on poor soils, and low-maintenance landscapes where nothing else thrives. The soft silvery texture provides exceptional contrast with other plants and creates a soothing color palette. Excellent for slopes, between stepping stones, and in harsh exposed sites. Can be used as a host plant for Indian Paintbrush (Castilleja), which parasitizes its roots. Good companions include native grasses, buckwheats, penstemons, and other dry-site plants. The plant can spread moderately by rhizomes and may increase in heavily grazed areas. Can be pruned to encourage lusher regrowth. Watch for aphids in early spring; may be susceptible to powdery mildew in humid conditions. Deer-resistant. The combination of exceptional drought tolerance, beautiful silvery foliage, sweet fragrance, and wildlife value makes Fringed Sage outstanding for challenging dry sites in Spokane-area landscapes.