Q: We found a strange plant in our yard — a “volunteer” — and were wondering what it is because it is crowding out something we planted.
A: This is Artemisia cana (silver sagebrush). It’s a native species in the western states and western Canada and a member of the Asteraceae or sunflower family. Some wildlife and livestock will eat it in case you are keeping sheep. Otherwise, it has nice soft silvery foliage that is a good desert adaptation and yellow flowers.
Peter L. Warren is the urban horticulture agent for the Pima County Cooperative Extension and the University of Arizona. Questions may be emailed to plwarren@cals.arizona.edu