Greenish white/silvery erect stems with aromatic, lance-shaped leaves evocative of cultivated sage; white and woolly beneath and nearly smooth above. Tiny yellowish grey flowers are borne on branched flowering structures at the end of stems. Plant parts of Artemisia species are used by Native Americans and other people for multiple purposes including ones that take advantage of the plant’s aromatic character and potential medicinal qualities. Also known by the common name Silver Wormwood. Can provide nesting habitat for native bees. Note: This resource on this plant is intended as general information only. With any plant material, there is a potential for allergic reactions. Always seek the advice of a health professional with any questions about touching or eating any plant matter.
Native Plant Database
Header Photo: Mervin Wallace
White Sage
Artemisia ludoviciana
Plant Type: Herbaceous Perennials
Native Environment: Glade, Prairie, Savanna / Woodland
Season of Interest: Mid (May - June), Late (July - frost)
Main Color: Green, Silver
Fall Color:
USDA PLANTS Range Map
At the range map link above, zoom in for county-level data

Photo: Mervin Wallace

Sun Exposure
Full Sun, Medium Sun/Average Shade

Soil
Moisture
Dry, Moderate

Nature Attracting
Pollinators/Beneficial Insects

Wildlife Benefit

Animal
Resistance
Deer Resistant, Rabbit Resistant
Size
Height:
30 to
42
inches
Spread:
24 to
36
inches
Size
Height: 30 to
42
inches
Spread: 24 to
36
inches
Size
Height: 30 to
42
inches
Spread: 24 to
36
inches
Typical Landscape Use
Foliage provides contrast and texture in isolated areas, prairie plantings, or meadow gardens with other competitive species.
Establishment and Care Instructions
Prefers well-drained, poor soils in full sun; may flop, especially in part shade. Can be pinched in spring and sheared in summer to influence growth habit. Can be quite aggressive as it spreads by underground rhizomes.
Special Features
Special Usage
Fragrant
Basic Description
Where Should I Start?
Check out the Grow Native! Committee’s Top Ten picks of native plants for a particular purpose.
What’s the Next Step?
Picked out your plants? View our Resource Guide of garden centers, seed sources, landscapers, education resources, and more!
Where Can I Find This Plant in Nature?
Learn about the Native Environment(s) inhabited by the plants in this database.