Family: Asteraceae
Author: Pursh
Bibliography: Fl. Amer. Sept. 2: 521 (1813)
Year: 1813
Status: accepted
Rank: species
Genus: Artemisia
Vegetable: False
Observations: W. & C. Canada to NW. & NC. U.S.A.
Description
Silver sagebrush, known scientifically as Artemisia cana, is a notable species within the Asteraceae family. This hardy plant has a historical reference dating back to 1813 when it was first described by the renowned botanist Frederick Traugott Pursh in his work “Flora Americae Septentrionalis.”
Predominantly found in the western and central regions of Canada, extending to the northwestern and north-central parts of the United States, silver sagebrush thrives in these various ecosystems due to its adaptability and resilience. The plant is well-suited to arid to semi-arid environments, often forming a significant component of the native flora within these areas.
Characteristically, silver sagebrush boasts strikingly silvery foliage, a feature that not only contributes to its common name but also serves a functional purpose. The silvery hue results from tiny hairs on the leaves, which reflect sunlight and reduce water loss, an adaptation particularly beneficial in its dry, sunny habitats. The aromatic leaves, when crushed, emit a distinctive scent, a trait common among members of the Asteraceae family.
Ecologically, Artemisia cana plays a crucial role in its native landscapes. It provides food and habitat for a variety of wildlife, including insects, birds, and mammals. Notably, the plant is an important source of forage for grazing animals, especially during the winter months when other vegetation is sparse.
In addition to its ecological importance, silver sagebrush has cultural and medicinal significance for many Indigenous peoples across North America. Traditionally, various parts of the plant have been utilized for their purported healing properties and in ceremonial practices.
Despite its resilience, silver sagebrush faces threats from habitat loss and changes in land use. Conservation efforts are essential to ensure the sustainability of this species and the myriad of ecological benefits it provides.
In conclusion, Artemisia cana, with its distinctive silvery leaves and adaptive characteristics, stands as a vital component of North American flora, bridging ecological, cultural, and medicinal domains. Its preservation is not only important for maintaining biodiversity but also for honoring the traditional knowledge and practices of Indigenous cultures.
Common Names
Eng: silver sagebrush, silver wormwood, hoary sagebrush, hoary wormwood, silvery sagebrush
Fra: armoise argentée
En: Silver sagebrush, Coaltown Sagebrush, Silver wormwood, Hoary sagebrush, Hoary wormwood, Silvery sagebrush
Fr: Armoise argentée
Nv: Chʼilzhóóʼ
Fa: علف جگن سیمین
Synonyms
- Seriphidium canum ((Pursh) W.A.Weber)
Distribution
- Alberta (native)
- Arizona (native)
- British Columbia (native)
- California (native)
- Colorado (native)
- Idaho (native)
- Manitoba (native)
- Montana (native)
- Nebraska (native)
- Nevada (native)
- New Mexico (native)
- North Dakota (native)
- Oregon (native)
- Saskatchewan (native)
- South Dakota (native)
- Utah (native)
- Wyoming (native)
Additional Images
Flower
Taken Aug 14, 2021 by Danielle Mccloy (cc-by-sa)
Taken Nov 15, 2021 by Taylor Shook (cc-by-sa)
Taken Sep 8, 2013 by EOL − Steve Matson (cc-by-nc)
Taken Sep 8, 2013 by EOL − Steve Matson (cc-by-nc)
Taken Aug 14, 2021 by Danielle Mccloy (cc-by-sa)
Bark
Taken Sep 20, 2021 by Dieter Albrecht (cc-by-sa)
Taken Sep 20, 2021 by Dieter Albrecht (cc-by-sa)
Taken Sep 20, 2021 by Dieter Albrecht (cc-by-sa)
Taken Sep 8, 2013 by EOL − Steve Matson (cc-by-nc)
Habit
Taken Sep 20, 2021 by Dieter Albrecht (cc-by-sa)
Taken Sep 20, 2021 by Dieter Albrecht (cc-by-sa)
Taken Oct 21, 2002 by EOL − Gary A. Monroe (cc-by-nc)
Taken Sep 8, 2013 by EOL − Steve Matson (cc-by-nc)
Leaf
Taken Jun 21, 2022 by Kai Best (cc-by-sa)
Taken Apr 12, 2021 by Pozzan Dario (cc-by-sa)
Taken Oct 8, 2020 by andres amaya (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 18, 2021 by Clint Grierson (cc-by-sa)
Taken Aug 14, 2021 by Danielle Mccloy (cc-by-sa)
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
Sources
- WFO (No URL)
- IPNI (No URL)
- GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/3121553)
- POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:20563-2)
- PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Artemisia cana Pursh)
Specifications
Growth form>: Rhizomatous
Growth habit>: Subshrub, Shrub
Growth rate>: Moderate
Growth
Ph maximum: 9.0
Ph minimum: 5.2