Description
Commonly known as:
Canyon Gray California Sagebrush, Canyon Gray Sagebrush, California Sagebrush
Description of Plant:
Artemisia californica ‘Canyon Gray’ is a low-growing selection of California native sagebrush prized for its finely textured silver-gray foliage and spreading habit. It thrives in hot, dry landscapes while adding year-round color and soft texture. In addition, its fragrant foliage and exceptional drought tolerance make it an excellent choice for native gardens, slopes, and erosion control.
Growth Habit:
This evergreen groundcover grows 1–2 feet tall and spreads 6–10 feet wide. Its graceful, arching stems create a dense mat that suppresses weeds and stabilizes hillsides.
Watering Instructions:
Water regularly during establishment. Once established, water deeply but infrequently, allowing the soil to dry completely between waterings. Avoid frequent summer irrigation.
Soil Needs:
Prefers well-draining sandy, rocky, or gravelly soils. It performs best in lean soils and does not tolerate poorly drained conditions.
Sun Requirements:
Thrives in full sun and develops the best foliage color and dense growth with at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily.
Indoor or Outdoor Tips:
Best grown outdoors as a groundcover on slopes, banks, and water-wise landscapes. Give it plenty of room to spread and avoid planting where overhead irrigation is frequent.
Perennial or Annual:
Perennial in Southern California.
Additional Tips:
‘Canyon Gray‘ provides valuable habitat for native wildlife and blends beautifully with California buckwheats, salvias, and ceanothus. Fragrant: The soft foliage releases a pleasant, earthy sagebrush aroma when brushed. Medicinal: California sagebrush has a long history of traditional use by Indigenous Californians for teas, liniments, and ceremonial purposes, although this cultivar is primarily grown for its outstanding ornamental and landscape value.
