Sagebrush: Classification, Distribution, Ecology, and Control

Abstract

Artemisia is a large genus of the Asteraceae family with approximately 200 species found throughout North America, North Africa, and Eurasia. Sagebrush species are woody long-lived perennials living over 50 years on well-drained habitats. Big sagebrush (Artemisia tridentata) is the most abundant species of the genus with estimates of amounts of rangeland occupied exceeding 100 million hectares. Silver sagebrush (Artemisia cam), another highly competitive species, occupies over 13 million hectares of rangeland in North America. Other Artemisia species of less abundance that are also considered of low forage value and highly competitive in rangeland include common sagewort, fringed sagebrush, and sand sagebrush. Silver sagebrush is a resprouting species while other species reproduce from seed. Control of big sagebrush has been reported as a production tool since before 1914 when fire was used for its control. The use of 2,4-D was reported as an effective sagebrush control in 1952 and continues to be a practical control today. Pelleted tebuthiuron was first used selectively to control big sagebrush in rangeland in 1975 and has provided consistent control of big sagebrush in several experiments since that time.