Time to celebrate the end of 2017 with the Big Sagebrush! The Big Sagebrush aka Mojave Sagebrush aka Parish’s Sagebrush is part of the Sunflower family (Asteraceae) minus the big sunny flower. The original SEA #61 (Kentucky Springs) in Los Angeles County was created to preserve the best stand of Big Sagebrush found in Los Angeles County. This location is in eastern Acton, CA. SEA #61 was later incorporated into an expanded Santa Clara River Significant Ecological Area (SEA). This plant community occurs along washes in the Santa Clara River. It is known to grow in hotter and drier climates than the typical sagebrush. It has drooping branches with yellow-green and gray-green colored leaves. It produces hairy seeds and clusters of small yellow flowers that grow on big stalks.

The Big Sagebrush is a medium height shrub ranging from 5 -7 feet. Its height provides shade for smaller herbaceous plant communities and wildlife. Sagebrush with a subspecies parishii is similar to the Basin big sagebrush but not as common. This subspecies has not been researched extensively; therefore, not much is know about its genetic makeup. Preserving known Big Sagebrush ssp. parishii habitat in Los Angeles County is imperative in order for continued research to be conducted. The Big Sagebrush habitat is threatened by development, wildfire, and over-grazing.

LA County Dept. of Regional Planning’s SEA Ordinance amendment project is an on-going effort to conserve genetic and physical diversity within LA County by designating biological resource areas that are capable of sustaining themselves into the future. Every Wednesday, we will profile a plant or animal “Ambassador” that makes the SEAs its home. #SEAwednesday

For more information, contact us at:
sea@planning.lacounty.gov
213-974-6461
Environmental Planning & Sustainability Section

Pictures: Anthony Valois & National Park Service
References: PRBO Conservation Science