Rocky Mountain Research Station

Title: Sagebrush systematics and distribution

Author: McArthur, E. Durant

Date: 2000

Source: In: Entwistle, P. G.; DeBolt, A. M.; Kaltenecker, J. H. Steenholf, K., comps. Proceedings: Sagebrush Steppe Ecosystem Symposium; 1999 June 23-25; Boise, ID. BLM/ID/PT-001001+1150. Boise, ID: U. S. Department of the Interior, Bureau of Land Management, Idaho State Office. p. 9-14.

Description: In this paper on sagebrush systematics and distribution, it is appropriate to begin by defining a few terms. Sagebrush, under my definition, are woody North American Artemisia of the subgenus Tridentatae. Tridentatae are one of four subgenera in Artemisia. Tridentatae or true sagebrush are separated from other Artemisia of the subgenera Artemisia, Dracunculus, and Seriphidum (e.g., wormwood, wormseed, sage, tarragon, etc.) by their completely woody nature, exclusive North American distribution, distinctive chemistry and molecular genetics, and their fertile, homogamous, perfect disc flowers (McArthur 1979, McArthur and Sanderson 1999a). There are 11 sagebrush species that, together with their subspecific entities, account for about 20 taxa. Artemisia as a whole includes more than 200 species.

Keywords: Sagebrush, Artemisia, Tridentatae

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Citation

McArthur, E. Durant  2000.  Sagebrush systematics and distribution.   In: Entwistle, P. G.; DeBolt, A. M.; Kaltenecker, J. H. Steenholf, K., comps. Proceedings: Sagebrush Steppe Ecosystem Symposium; 1999 June 23-25; Boise, ID. BLM/ID/PT-001001+1150. Boise, ID: U. S. Department of the Interior, Bureau of Land Management, Idaho State Office. p. 9-14..