sagebrush

American  

[seyj-bruhsh] / ˈseɪdʒˌbrʌʃ /

noun

1. any of several sagelike, bushy composite plants of the genus Artemisia, especially A. tridentata, having silvery, wedge-shaped leaves, with three teeth at the tip, common on the dry plains of the western U.S.

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sagebrush British  

/ ˈseɪdʒˌbrʌʃ /

noun

1. any of several aromatic plants of the genus Artemisia, esp A. tridentata, a shrub of W North America, having silver-green leaves and large clusters of small white flowers: family Asteraceae (composites)

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Etymology

Origin of sagebrush

An Americanism dating back to 1825–35; sage ² + brush ²

Example Sentences

Toyon brings red berries in winter and white flowers in spring, while California sagebrush and Cleveland sage fill the air with an intoxicating perfume.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 30, 2026

The number of wild burros roaming pine forests and sagebrush fields has grown in recent years, with experts worried that the miniature beasts of burden could overwhelm rare and endangered species of plants.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 18, 2025

His plant suggestions for a campaign would include using California sagebrush, bush sunflower, California fuchsia and fairyduster.

From Los Angeles Times • Aug. 10, 2024

“We have determined that the dunes sagebrush lizard is in danger of extinction throughout all of its range,” the U.S.

From Seattle Times • May 17, 2024

Before they could attack, Brian jumped out from behind a clump of sagebrush, waving a yucca branch.

From "The Glass Castle" by Jeannette Walls