Missy Lowry, age 15, of Prescott, Ariz., for her question:

CAN SAGEBRUSH BE USED FOR SEASONING FOOD?

Sagebrush is a bushy plant known for its sweet odor and bitter taste. It grows in the dry plains of the western part of the United States, particularly in northeastern California, eastern Oregon, Nevada, Utah, Wyoming and Colorado. Sage, a completely different plant, is used as a seasoning for food. Sagebrush is not a true sage and can't be used this way.

Sagebrush, a perennial, received its common name from the sweet, sage like odor of its crushed foliage.

There are several kinds of sagebrush. Some are used as food for sheep in winter. Some people use sagebrush for fuel because the dry wood burns with a hot flame and gives off a sweet smelling smoke.

At the end of summer, the wind often uproots the sagebrush and blows it all over the plains, much as the wind blows tumbleweed. The seeds of the sagebrush are scattered in this way.

Sagebrush also grows on mountain slopes.