Big Sagebrush

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Big Sagebrush

Artemisia tridentata
Asteraceae family

This hardy evergreen makes its home throughout Nevada and is also the state flower. Well known for its three-toothed aromatic leaves, this shrub can grow to 15 feet with thick branching.

Though generally regarded as toxic, this plant has great bacteriostatic (inhibits multiplication of bacteria) properties and can be used, with caution, as a skin wash.

The leaf has been brewed as a tea to kill digestive parasites and even stop internal bleeding. This type of internal use is discouraged by modern herbalists. The Native Americans used this plant for a wide array of non-medical jobs. Clothing was made from the sagebrush fibers and the leaves were burned for spiritual ceremonies for their potent aroma.

Pinyon Pine

Juniper

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Wilbur D. May Center at
Rancho San Rafael Regional Park
1595 N. Sierra,
Reno, Nevada U.S.A.
(775) 785-5961 Fax (775) 785-4707