Boise State University
What is sagebrush? What does it look, smell and taste like? Common across the west, sagebrush is a woody shrub with gra...
Boise State explains sagebrush traits and survival traits
Key points (ReadOut summary)
- Sagebrush is a woody shrub with grayish-green leaves common across the West
- Plant releases spicy, earthy, piney, medicinal scent when brushed or after rain
- Toxic to humans; bitter taste deters wildlife consumption and aids survival
- Biology professor Jen Forbey provides further details via Boise State link
What is sagebrush? What does it look, smell and taste like? Common across the west, sagebrush is a woody shrub with grayish green leaves. If you’ve been near sagebrush after a rain shower, or brushed against the plant, it releases strong smelling chemicals that some people describe as spicy, earthy, piney and even medicinal. Sagebrush is toxic to humans when eaten, and in the wild, few creatures bother trying to eat the plant due to its bitter taste. This awful taste is a big reason wh