California Sagebrush

Artemisia californica

ABOUT

Fluffy, thin, sprig-like leaves are characteristic of the California Sagebrush, a plant in the artemisia genus ( known for plants with medicinal qualities, like wormwood, mugwort, etc.)

The most notable quality of this plant is its smell, which can be released by crushing the leaves with your fingers. Its nickname is “cowboy cologne” and it’s easy to see why - it has an unmistakable minty/sage fragrance which is a delight to the senses.

Big brother - Artemisia Tridentata - grows along the Santa Clara riverbed and closer to Canyon Country / Acton.

The California sagebrush can be found on nearly all of the hikes of this website.

The leaves are light, fluffy, and sprig-like, but what really makes this plant special are the terpenes it contains which are incredibly aromatic and pleasant smelling. This is hands-down the best smelling plant in Santa Clarita.

This plant is native to Central/Southern California and Northwest Baja California and endemic to the California chaparral and woodlands ecoregion.

The plant thrives in full sun, prefers to have very little water, and tolerates virtually all soil types. It is also able to germinate via wildfires.

The California sagebrush was considered one of the most important medicinal plants for the Cahuilla Native Americans. It was used to fight colds and coughs, as well as induce menstruation and provide a comfortable child-birth experience.

The Chumash Indians would also turn it into a poultice and apply it directly to the forehead to relieve headaches.

It’s also been used to make a liniment that’s a powerful pain reliever, and is said to be a safer alternative than opioid drugs. Within 20 minutes it’s been said to relieve pain from broken bones, arthritis, and sprains.

If you would like to dive down the rabbit hole of information and fun facts, check out the US Forest Service’s page on the plant.