California  Sage Brush (Artemesia californica)

The unremarkable appearance of this California native belies its many uses by native peoples and its importance to wildlife.  Mature growth is grey-green on an upright shrub reaching 5-8ft.  Endemic to chaparral regions with coastal sage shrub and chaparral plant communities (it’s really, really low water needs!).   Artemesia californica is not particular about soil but requires full sun to flourish.
Birds use new growth as food and older twigs as nesting material.  The structure of the plant provides shelter for small birds.  This is the preferred habitation of the endangered California Gnatcatcher (image below by Petersen B. Moose).

Native people of California had many uses for this sage-like plant.  The Ohlone applied leaves to teeth to lessen pain.  The Cahuilla chewed leaves to alleviate coughs and symptoms of colds.   The Cahuilla and Tongva injested teas and leaves to stimulate mucus production and alleviate menstrual cramps and hasten child-birth.  Poultices were applied to heal skin abrasions as well.  All in all, a very useful plant indeed and worthy of preservation in our gardens.

Try using this shrub as a ‘framing plant’ for more colorful companions.  The grey-green foliage sets off reds, oranges and yellows around it dramatically.  Sticky Monkey Flower and Mexican Milk Weed look fantastic planted around or in front of Coastal Sage Shrub.