Artemisia tridentata subsp. parishii
Photo: parent species Artemisia tridentata · Photo by Chez Brungraber
Family: Asteraceae · Type: Shrub · Native
Artemisia tridentata subsp. parishii is a native California shrub in the Asteraceae family, recognized by drooping inflorescence branches and narrow leaves diagnostic.
Parish's sagebrush is a California native shrub found in southern California regions including the Santa Clara River Interior, coastal southern California, western Transverse Ranges, White and Inyo Mountains, and eastern Mojave Desert in dry sandy soils at elevations of 300 to 2,000 meters. Flowering from September to November, this plant produces small yellow flowers in clusters less than 30 centimeters wide, often surrounded by its own leaves. Growing 1 to 3 meters tall with drooping branches, it forms a distinctive rounded shrub shape. Its leaves are generally 3 to 6 centimeters long, linear to narrowly wedge-shaped, contributing to its characteristic dense and compact appearance. The fruit is distinctively hairy, adding texture to the plant's overall structure.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: 16 sympatric species; drooping inflorescence branches and narrow leaves diagnostic
Habitat and range
Habitat: Uncommon. Dry sandy soils
Elevation: 300-2000 m
Bloom period
Artemisia tridentata subsp. parishii blooms Sep-Nov.
How to tell it apart
vs Salvia: Artemisia has tiny clustered flower heads in the sunflower family; Salvia has two-lipped tubular flowers in the mint family with square stems.; vs Ambrosia: Artemisia has fused anthers and typically silvery foliage; Ambrosia has free anthers and often deeply lobed green leaves.; vs Ericameria: Artemisia is aromatic with inconspicuous greenish heads lacking rays; Ericameria has bright yellow daisy-like heads with showy ray petals.; vs Pseudognaphalium: Artemisia has no seed bristles and woody stems; Pseudognaphalium has fluffy white pappus bristles and soft herbaceous stems.; vs Eschscholzia: Artemisia has tiny greenish clustered flower heads; Eschscholzia has large showy orange or yellow poppy flowers with 4 petals.
Frequently asked questions
Is Artemisia tridentata subsp. parishii native to California?
Yes. Artemisia tridentata subsp. parishii is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Artemisia tridentata subsp. parishii bloom?
Artemisia tridentata subsp. parishii blooms Sep-Nov.
What plant family does Artemisia tridentata subsp. parishii belong to?
Artemisia tridentata subsp. parishii is in the Asteraceae family, genus Artemisia.
What habitat does Artemisia tridentata subsp. parishii grow in?
Artemisia tridentata subsp. parishii grows in Uncommon. Dry sandy soils.
Related species
Other California species in the same genus, family, or bioregion.
Sources: Jepson eFlora · CalPhotos
Last updated 2026-10-07
Data from The California Species Project — 14,000+ California species with verified data from CNPS, CDFW, USFWS, Cal-IPC, and more.