We're sharing some of our most frequenyly asked questions here at
Interpretive Center. We have visitors from all over the U.S. and the world, and hear the question "what's that green stuff out there?" It's sagebrush. An everday thing for people in eastern Oregon, but for those from other regions, here is s0me information: Sagebrush is probably the most common steppe plant you'll find in eastern Oregon, but not the only one. It shares space with horsebrush and rabbitbrush. Sagebrush is most easily identifiedfrom theother shrubs by its leaves because they are tridentate (they have three small teeth at the tip of the leaf). Most other shrubs have leaves with smooth edges. It is a lunchbar for several species of mammals and birds, including pronghorn, deer, rabbits and sage grouse. Sagebrush provides shade and cover from predators for small birds and mammals. Pioneers were not really able to use it for cook fires as it burns quickly and doesn't generate much heat; mostly is was an obstacle they had to cut away to clear a road for wagons and stock.