Artemisia ludoviciana flowers. Image from Wildflower Center Digital Library.
Artemisia ludoviciana, or white sagebrush, is a hardy, drought-resistant perennial named for its whitish-green foliage. Mature plants can grow up to three feet tall and grow small yellowish flowers in the spring, which disburse their pollen via the wind and can be a potentially serious source of allergies. Seeds are also windborn and spread during the summer and fall months.
White sagebrush is native to North America, and the subpecies ludoviciana has the widest range, reaching across both coasts. Other subspecies have a smaller range, usually limited to the west. Subspecies native to Utah include albula, candicans, incompta, and mexicana.
Distribution of Artemisia ludoviciana ssp. ludoviciana in North America. Image from USDA
An Artemisia ludoviciana individual. Image from USGS
American Indians used Artemisia ludoviciana for a variety of things, from the practical to the spiritual. For example, leaves could be put in footwear as a deodorant or chewed to ease respiratory problems. Due to it's low water requirements and drought resistance, Artemisia ludoviciana is also recommended for use in xeriscaping.