Bigelow sagebrush facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Bigelow sagebrush |
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| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Artemisia
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| Species: |
bigelovii
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Artemisia bigelovii is a plant from North America. It is a type of sagebrush and is commonly called Bigelow sagebrush or flat sagebrush. You can find it growing in the deserts of the southwestern United States.
Where Bigelow Sagebrush Grows
This plant is native to several states in the US. These include California (in Inyo and San Bernardino Counties), Arizona, Nevada, Utah, Colorado, New Mexico, and Texas.
Bigelow sagebrush likes to grow in different places. You can find it in deserts, low-lying basins, grasslands, and juniper woodlands. It is very good at living in dry areas because it can handle long periods without rain. It often grows in sandy soils or soils rich in limestone.
What Bigelow Sagebrush Looks Like
Artemisia bigelovii is a shrub that grows from a strong, woody base. It usually reaches a height of about 50 centimeters (20 inches). It has many thin, curved branches. The bark on these branches often peels off.
The stems and leaves of the plant are covered in soft, silvery hairs. This makes the plant look gray. The leaves are short, less than 3 centimeters long. They might have a pointed tip or three small teeth at the end.
The plant's inflorescence (which is how its flowers are arranged) looks like a cluster of flower heads. These heads contain yellowish disc florets. Sometimes, they also have a small ray floret. After the flowers, the plant produces tiny achenes, which are a type of fruit, about a millimeter long.
How Bigelow Sagebrush is Used
Bigelow sagebrush is an important plant for animals. In winter, it provides good fodder, which is food for grazing animals like deer and livestock.
People also grow this type of sagebrush. It is used to help land recover after being overgrazed, which is called rangeland restoration. It also helps with erosion control, meaning it keeps soil from washing away, especially in dry areas.
