The Coastal Sagebrush (Artemisia californica), or Estafiate in Spanish, is a plant native to California and Baja California, Mexico and grows from the coast to the mountains.

Thriving in coastal sage scrub and chaparral, it needs little water during summer months and provides valuable shade, cover, and habitat for smaller animals like the endangered California Gnatcatcher (Polioptila californica). This little bird fits within the stems and branches of the California Sagebrush giving it valuable shade from the elements and shelter from predators.

To see more photos of the California Sagebrush visit the San Diego Natural History Museum’s San Diego County Plant Atlas.

PHOTO CREDIT: Stonebird