Threetip Sage Brush, Wyoming threetip sagebrush
Artemisia tripartita

Family: Asteraceae or Compositae

What it is like

Artemisia tripartita is a SHRUB growing to 1.8 m (6ft). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 7. It is in flower from July to August. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Wind. Suitable for: light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils, prefers well-drained soil and can grow in nutritionally poor soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers dry or moist soil and can tolerate drought.

Height (m): 1.8

Where it is found

Dry plains and hills, often in somewhat moister or more favoured sites or at slightly higher elevations than A. tridentata to which it is akin.

North-western N. America.

Conservation Status:

Countries/locations it is found in

How it is used

Food

Rating: 2

Leaves. No further details are given. Seed. No further details are given, but the seed is very small and fiddly to use.

Seed: includes nuts, cereals, peas and beans.

Medicine

Rating: 1

An infusion of the roots, or a decoction of the leaves and branches, is used in the treatment of colds, sore throats, tonsillitis, headaches etc. An infusion of the plant is used as a wash for wounds caused by the removal of corns.

Diaphoretic: Induces perspiration.

Vulnerary: Promotes the healing of wounds.

Other

Rating:

The bark is used as a tinder when making fires.

Tinder: Used for starting fires. See also Kindling.

How it is grown

Easily grown in a well-drained circumneutral or slightly alkaline loamy soil, preferring a sunny position. Succeeds in most soils including those of low fertility. Plants are longer lived, more hardy and more aromatic when they are grown in a poor dry soil. Established plants are very drought tolerant. Plants resprout freely after a fire. The sub-species A. tripartita rupicola is a dwarf form growing only 15cm tall, whilst A. tripartita tripartita grows to 1.8 metres. Plants in this genus are notably resistant to honey fungus. Members of this genus are rarely if ever troubled by browsing deer.

Propagating it: Seed - surface sow from late winter to early summer in a greenhouse in a very free-draining soil, but do not allow it to dry out. The seed usually germinates in 1 - 2 weeks in a warm greenhouse. When large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in the greenhouse for their first winter, planting them out in late spring or early summer. Cuttings of half-ripe wood, July/August in a frame. Very slow to root Division in spring or autumn. Layering.

Best place to grow: Cultivated Beds;

Habit: Shrub

Hardiness: 6-9

Growth:

Soil: Light (sandy), medium

Shade: No shade

Moisture: Dry, moist

Things to keep in mind

Although no reports of toxicity have been seen for this species, skin contact with some members of this genus can cause dermatitis or other allergic reactions in some people.

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

A. trifida. Seriphidium tripartitum. (Rydb.)W.A.Weber.