Data provided by the participants of the Consortium of California Herbaria

View additional distribution information on the Jepson eflora

David’s choice sagebrush (Artemisia pycnocephala 'David’s Choice') is a compact, silvery shrub with soft, velvety foliage. It was selected from native sagebrush at Point Reyes, north of San Francisco, and introduced by David Amme in 1980.

This drought-adapted plant thrives in well-drained, sandy soils and prefers coastal conditions, though it can handle partial shade inland. While its yellow flowers are inconspicuous, they can be trimmed back to maintain its neat, rounded form.

David’s choice sagebrush is an excellent choice for borders or as a groundcover, providing a striking contrast to darker green plants like Ceanothus or low-growing Iris. It also offers forage for wildlife, contributing to a healthy garden ecosystem.

Plant type

Shrub

Size

1 - 2 ft Tall
1 - 2 ft Wide

Form

Mounding

Growth rate

Fast

Dormancy

Evergreen

Fragrance

Pleasant

Flowering season

Summer, Spring

Special uses

Deer resistant, Groundcover

Sun

Full Sun

Water

Low, Moderate

Ease of care

Easy

Cold tolerance

25

Soil drainage

Fast

Soil description

sandy, coarse-grained or other fast draining soils.
Soil PH: 5.0 - 8.0

Sunset Zones

4*, 5, 7*, 8*, 9*, 14*, 15, 16, 17, 19*, 20*, 21*, 22, 23, 24

Use with other species of coastal strand such as Verbena (Abronia spp.), Beach Morning Glory (Calystegia soldanella), Beach Evening-primrose (Camissioniopsis cheiranthifolia), Cobweb Thistle (Cirsium occidentale), Seaside Daisy (Erigeron glaucus), Coast Buckwheat (Eriogonum latifolium), Seaside Golden Yarrow (Eriophyllum staechadifolium), Gumweed (Grindelia stricta), Lupine (Lupinus spp., and Silverweed Potentilla anserina)

Bats
Birds
Caterpillars
Butterflies