Sagebrush systematics and distribution

E. Durant McArthur

Treesearch

Sagebrush systematics and distribution

Informally Refereed

Authors:

E. Durant McArthur

Year:

2000

Type:

Miscellaneous Publication

Station:

Rocky Mountain Research Station

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.

Download (PDF 474 KB)

Download (PDF 474 KB): https://research.fs.usda.gov/download/treesearch/30023.pdf

Abstract

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

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.