Prairie Sage (Artemisia ludoviciana)

Prairie Sage

Artemisia ludoviciana

Artemisia ludoviciana, commonly known as Prairie Sage or White Sage, is a perennial herb that typically grows 1 to 3 feet tall. It features slender, silvery-gray leaves and produces small, yellowish-white flowers arranged in dense, spike-like clusters from late summer to early fall. This species thrives in prairies and along roadsides, preferring well-drained sandy or loamy soils. Prairie Sage has been traditionally used by Native American tribes for medicinal and ceremonial purposes. In landscaping, it is valued for its aromatic foliage, drought tolerance, and ability to serve as a groundcover or accent plant in native plant gardens.

Characteristics

Product Form	Plant, Seed
Type	Forb
Sun	Full Sun, Partial Sun
Soil	Loam, Sand/Gravel, Calcareous
Moisture	Dry, Mesic
Average Max Height (inches)	30
Suggested Plant Spacing (inches)	60
Bloom month(s)	July, August, September, October
Bloom Color or Type	Yellow
Dominance	High

Range Maps

Sowing Information

Sow seed onto a firm, weed-free seedbed. Hand-broadcast seed making two perpendicular passes for even coverage. If planting a mix, broadcast the grass component first and lightly rake/drag it into the top 1/8–1/4" of soil. Next, broadcast wildflower/forb seed and press it into the soil surface (with a roller/cultipacker or the back of a rake) to ensure good seed-to-soil contact. After seeding, apply a very light layer of clean, seed-free straw (or other weed-free, site-appropriate mulch) to reduce erosion and retain moisture without smothering seedlings. A good rainfall or thorough watering will help settle seed and mulch and improve germination.

Planting Information

Dig a hole in your planting site slightly larger than the plant’s root system. When placing the plant into the hole, ensure that the soil line remains consistent with its original level in the pot. Fill in around the roots with the excavated soil, gently firming it to eliminate air pockets. Water the plant thoroughly the same day to promote successful establishment.