VALUE AND USE
SPECIES: Artemisia bigelovii | Bigelow Sagebrush 



WOOD PRODUCTS VALUE : 
NO-ENTRY


IMPORTANCE TO LIVESTOCK AND WILDLIFE : 
Bigelow sagebrush is palatable to wildlife and livestock wherever it
occurs.  It is a valuable browse plant, especially on winter and early
spring ranges [6,9].  Bigelow sagebrush is more herbaceous, has a milder
odor, and tastes less bitter than most other species in the big
sagebrush complex [9].  It is not normally an important food source
because plants are typically scattered [11].


PALATABILITY : 
Bigelow sagebrush is palatable to most livestock and wildlife species.
The palatability and degree of use by livestock and wildlife for Bigelow
sagebrush in Utah is as follows [3]:
                                  
Cattle                           Fair
Sheep                            Good
Horses                           Poor
Pronghorn                        Fair
Elk                              Poor
Mule deer                        Fair
Small mammals                    Fair
Small nongame birds              Fair
Upland game birds                Good
Waterfowl                        Poor


NUTRITIONAL VALUE : 
Bigelow sagebrush is rated as fair in both energy and protein value [3].


COVER VALUE : 
The low-growing Bigelow sagebrush provides some cover for smaller birds and
mammals.  Cover value ratings for Utah wildlife are as follows [3]:

Pronghorn                     Poor
Elk                           Poor
Mule deer                     Poor
Small mammals                 Fair
Small nongame birds           Fair
Upland game birds             Fair
Waterfowl                     Fair


VALUE FOR REHABILITATION OF DISTURBED SITES : 
Bigelow sagebrush has low potential for use in long- and short-term
revegetation [3].  Although some authorities report that Bigelow
sagebrush has relatively low potential for erosion control [3], others
rate this species as having moderate value for soil stabilitzation
projects [14].  It is moderately adapted to growth on many types of
disturbed sites [14].

Bigelow sagebrush spreads well through natural seedings [14].  Seed
production and handling characteristics are described as "medium" in
comparison to other shrub species [14].  Bigelow sagebrush seedlings
grow well when transplanted [14].


OTHER USES AND VALUES : 
NO-ENTRY


MANAGEMENT CONSIDERATIONS : 
Bigelow sagebrush typically grows in extremely arid environments where
forage is scarce and is thus seldom grazed [1].  In those areas where it
is subjected to heavy grazing pressure, it persists longer than
associated perennial grasses but does not appear to increase in response
to grazing [1].

Related categories for Species: Artemisia bigelovii | Bigelow Sagebrush