Artemisia californica ‘Canyon Gray’ (Coastal Sagebrush) is a prostrate form of Artemisia californica from the Channel Islands. This large-scale groundcover remains under 2 feet tall and forms a compact mat of fine-textured, silver-gray foliage that can spread up to 10 feet wide. It works well on dry slopes and drapes beautifully over walls. The foliage is highly aromatic when crushed, while the flowers are fairly inconspicuous.
Plant in full sun in well-draining soil. Little irrigation is required once established. Hardy to approximately 20–25°F. It is best trimmed annually to maintain a compact form.
This plant was found growing in a windswept area on San Miguel Island by Ralph Philbrick, former director of Santa Barbara Botanic Garden. It is a horticultural selection of A. californica, originating from cuttings collected on San Miguel Island in 1972 and introduced by Santa Barbara Botanic Garden in 1980.
Research credit: Tree of Life Nursery