sagebrush

noun

Etymology: From sage + brush, from resemblance in odor and appearance to Salvia officinalis.

1. Any of several North American aromatic shrubs of the genus Artemisia, having silvery-grey, green leaves.

   “On our bumpy, mud-soaked ride to the Grand Canyon’s lesser-visited East Rim, a coyote emerged from the sagebrush to lead the way. It took off directly in front of our van, seemingly directing us through a labyrinth of dirt roads. Our guide, a member of the Navajo Nation, parked the vehicle and offered thanks to the coyote for its guidance.”