Sagebrush

Sagebrush (Artemisia tridentata) is a hardy, perennial shrub prevalent in the arid regions of the western United States. Typically growing between 1 and 3 meters tall, sagebrush is easily identified by its silvery-gray, highly branched, and leafy appearance. The leaves are small, wedge-shaped with three lobes at the tip, and covered in fine silvery hairs to minimize water loss.

Sagebrush's scent profile is distinctive and complex, often described as earthy, pungent, and somewhat bitter. When the leaves are crushed or when it rains, they release a strong, aromatic fragrance due to the presence of volatile oils and camphor, contributing to what many describe as the characteristic "smell of the West." This scent is not only a sensory experience but serves practical purposes as well; it repels certain herbivores and insects, reducing grazing and aiding in the plant's survival in its harsh habitat.