Prairie Sage is a versatile and aromatic perennial prized for its stunning silver-white foliage that provides a cool contrast in the sunny border. Growing 1 to 3 feet tall, this plant is covered in fine, silky hairs that give it a soft, felt-like texture and help it conserve moisture in dry environments. While its greenish-yellow flowers are inconspicuous, the foliage remains beautiful throughout the entire growing season and emits a pleasant, spicy scent when crushed. Native to nearly all of North America, it is incredibly hardy and thrives in full sun and well-drained, even poor, soils. Ecologically, Prairie Sage is a vital host plant for several species of butterflies and moths and provides nesting material for native bees. Because it spreads via rhizomes to form dense colonies, it is an excellent choice for erosion control or for filling in large, dry areas where other plants might struggle. It is also highly resistant to deer and rabbits, making it a reliable performer in many landscapes.

Quick facts

• Height: 1–3 ft
• Sun: Full to Partial
• Soil moisture: Medium to Dry
• Bloom time: Jul–Sep (Green)
• Life cycle: Perennial
• Notes: Aggressive, Aromatic
• Native range: Native to 46 states, including Iowa, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Illinois, Missouri, Nebraska

See the full growing guide and county range map for Prairie Sage