Prairie Sage (Artemisia ludoviciana) was one of the most commonly used by Native American tribes, who had numerous medicinal and ceremonial purposes for Prairie Sage. A hardy heirloom perennial herb known for its silvery-green foliage and subtle, aromatic scent. This beautiful native wildflower thrives in dry, well-drained soils and full sun, making it an excellent choice for xeriscaping, native plant gardens, or pollinator-friendly landscapes.
Prairie Sage is valued for its drought tolerance and ability to thrive in poor soil, making it a low-maintenance addition to your garden. Prairie Sage also offers ecological benefits by attracting beneficial insects and is one of the host plants for the American Lady and Painted Lady Butterfly.
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All Nimble NiteCap Seeds are:
- Heirloom
- Organic
- Non-GMO
- Open Pollinated
- Untreated
- US Grown
- Growing instructions included
- Regular testing is conducted to uphold the highest germination standards, all the while employing appropriate seed storage techniques.
Sustainable Packaging & Shipping:
- NimbleNitecap seeds are packed in eco-friendly, compostable seed packets. Seed packets are printed in-house with vegetable-based inks on biodegradable, recycled materials. (Small plastic bags are infrequently used to prevent the loss of very small seeds.)
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Common Names: Prairie Sage, White Sagebrush
Latin Name: Artemisia ludoviciana
Type: Perennial Herb
Life Cycle: Perennial
USDA Zones: 3 - 9
Stratification: Cold stratification recommended for spring planting
Germination Ease: Moderate
Sunlight: Full Sun
Moisture: Low, drought-tolerant once established
Soil: Well-drained, sandy or loamy soils
Height: 24-36 inches
Spread: 18-24 inches
Color: Silvery-green foliage
Bloom Season: Late Summer
Companion Plants: Lavender, Coneflower, Yarrow (Prairie Sage benefits from these companion plants, and together they create a beautiful, pollinator-friendly garden.)
Potential Toxicity: Non-toxic
Climate Adaptability: Thrives in dry, hot climates and is highly drought-tolerant once established
~ Sowing ~
When to Sow Outside:
Sow directly outdoors in early spring after the last frost, or in late fall for natural stratification. If sowing in spring, cold stratify the seeds.
When to Start Inside:
For spring planting, cold stratify seeds by placing them in the refrigerator for 4-6 weeks. Start indoors 6-8 weeks before the last frost and transplant when the soil is warm.
Days to Emerge:
14-21 days
Seed Depth:
Surface-sow seeds, pressing them lightly into the soil; do not cover, as light aids germination.
Seed Spacing:
Space seeds 12-18 inches apart.
Hardiness:
Prairie Sage is frost-tolerant and hardy in cold climates.
~ Growing ~
Soil:
Prairie Sage thrives in well-drained, sandy, or loamy soils and can tolerate poor soil conditions. Adding organic matter is beneficial but not required.
Watering:
Water sparingly once established. Prairie Sage is drought-tolerant and prefers dry conditions, so avoid overwatering.
Light and Temperature:
Grow in full sun for best results. Prairie Sage thrives in hot, dry conditions and can handle a wide range of temperatures.
Maintenance:
Low-maintenance plant. Cut back in early spring to encourage new growth. Can spread by rhizomes, so keep an eye on its spread if needed.
Container Friendly:
Can be grown in large containers with good drainage, but Prairie Sage prefers being in the ground where it can spread naturally.
~ Harvesting ~
When to Harvest:
Harvest leaves when they are fully grown, typically in early summer. The best time to harvest is just before the plant flowers.
How to Harvest:
Snip the leaves or stems off with sharp scissors or pruning shears. Regular harvesting will encourage bushier growth.
Drying and Storing:
Leaves can be air-dried by hanging them in a cool, dry place. Once dry, store in an airtight container for up to a year.
Edible Use:
While Prairie Sage has been used medicinally, it is not commonly used for culinary purposes. Historically, it has been used in teas and smudging ceremonies.
~ Seed Saving ~
Seed Collection:
Allow seed heads to mature and dry on the plant. Once they turn brown, collect seeds by hand.
Seed Cleaning:
Remove seeds from the dried flower heads and air-dry them completely before storing.
Seed Storage:
Store seeds in a cool, dry place. Seeds remain viable for 1-2 years if properly stored.
~ Additional Information ~
Forage for Pollinators:
Prairie Sage is highly attractive to bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects, making it a great addition to a pollinator garden.
Origin:
Native to North America, Prairie Sage has been a part of indigenous plant use for centuries, especially for medicinal and ceremonial purposes.
Nomenclature:
The genus name *Artemisia* comes from the Greek goddess Artemis, reflecting the plant's historical association with healing.
History:
Prairie Sage has long been used in Native American cultures for smudging, medicinal purposes, and as a protective herb. Its silvery foliage and drought tolerance make it a modern favorite for xeriscaping and native plant gardens.
Potential Toxicity:
Non-toxic to humans and animals.
Climate Adaptability:
Prairie Sage is highly adaptable to dry, hot climates, making it perfect for drought-prone areas and xeriscaping.
