​Black Sagebrush, Black Sage,Artemisia nova,Sunflower Family (Asteraceae)

Found on dry slopes, mesas, in thin, rocky soil
Seen blooming in September at Abiquiu Lake

Black Sagebrush is the most widespread sagebrush in the western US. It is an evergreen growing in colonies with a low, rounded form less than 2 feet high compared to Big Sagebrush. Leaves are darker green than Big Sagebrush, and much smaller, about ½ inch long, and not all so obviously three-toothed. It is strongly aromatic. Tiny yellow flowers grow in narrow clusters on erect flower stalks sticking up above the foliage. Black Sagebrush provides important fall and winter forage and habitat for wildlife; it is used less in spring and summer. It is a valuable browse plant for livestock; palatable to pronghorn, mule deer, domestic sheep, and domestic goats but less palatable to cattle and horses. Source. Medicinally, a decoction of the leaves was used in the treatment of coughs, colds and headaches. Source.

If you are trying to identify a different flower then you can check what other flowers bloom this month. If you cannot identify a flower from the website, send a photo and where you took it to contact@rockymountainsflora.com. Read online for tips.