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Artemisia pycnocephala

Also Known As

Beach Sagebrush
Sandhill Sage

Plant type

shrub, perennial, groundcover

size

H: 1'-2'
W: 2'-3'

planting zones

8a-10b

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Artemisia pycnocephala plant details

Artemisia pycnocephala is a broadleaf evergreen perennial groundcover shrub with blue foliage. In spring cream and yellow flowers emerge. Attracts bees, beneficial insects and butterflies making it an excellent addition to pollinator gardens. Grows well with sun - mostly sun and occasional - low water. Drought tolerant once established. Prefers to be dry in summer. Does well in average, gritty, lean and well-drained soil. A good option if you're seeking something seaside / salt tolerant and wind tolerant.

CHARACTERISTICS OF Artemisia pycnocephala

Plant type: perennial groundcover shrub
Plant family: asteraceae
Foliage: evergreen blue
Mature size: 2 FT - 3 FT - wide, 1 FT - 2 FT - tall
Flowers: cream and yellow blooms in spring

GROWING CONDITIONS for Artemisia pycnocephala

USDA Zones: 8a - 10b
Sun exposure: sun - mostly sun
Watering frequency: occasional - low
Resistant to: deer and rabbit, seaside / salt and wind
Soil needs: average, gritty, lean and well-drained

Nursery contributed plant descriptions

This perennial grows to 1-2' tall and 3' wide and has soft, silvery foliage. Sandhill sage thrives in coastal climates and looks great planted alongside coast buckwheat, seaside daisy, salvias, and California poppies. To keep this sage looking fresh, pinch branch tips. Native to California and is also found outside of California, but is confined to western North America. Bees and other pollinators are attracted to the minute composite flowers. Miwok has inserted beach sagewort into their nostrils to cure headaches and clear sinuses. The women have tied bundles of leaves around their bodies to promote blood circulation after childbirth. Coast Miwok has used beach sagewort to treat stomach aches, fevers and eye ailments. Found in coastal sand dunes. Communitites located in Coastal Strand Between 0 and 656 feet.

By: The Watershed Nursery

Garden photo gallery of Artemisia pycnocephala

Photo of Artemisia pycnocephala foliage by Stickpen

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By: Stickpen

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Photo of Artemisia pycnocephala flower by JoJan

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By: JoJan

This image or media file contains material based on a work of a National Park Service employee, created during the course of the person's official duties. As a work of the U.S. federal government, such work is in the public domain. See the NPS website and NPS copyright policy for more information.

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Photo of Artemisia pycnocephala foliage by Stan Shebs

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By: Stan Shebs

This file is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0 Unported license.

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Photo of Artemisia pycnocephala flower by Stan Shebs

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By: Stan Shebs

This file is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0 Unported license.

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Photo of Artemisia pycnocephala foliage by The Watershed Nursery

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By: The Watershed Nursery

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By: The Watershed Nursery

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By: The Watershed Nursery

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By: The Watershed Nursery

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Gardening facts about Artemisia pycnocephala plant

How to Grow Artemisia pycnocephala

Sun Exposure
- sun - mostly sun
Water Needs
- occasional - drought tolerant
Water Needs
- dry in summer
Soil Needs
- average
- lean
- well-drained
- gritty
Special Situation
- seaside / salt tolerant
- wind tolerant

Features

Foliage Color
- blue
Flower Color
- cream
- yellow
Wildlife
- beneficial insects
- bees
- butterflies
- deer resistant
- rabbit resistant
Flower Season
- spring
Foliage Season
- evergreen