The California Sagebrush can be found in dry, rocky slopes in Southern California and is highly tolerant of drought and low-nutrient soil. The Sagebrush is highly adapted to its dry environment and even fires. During dry spells and extreme drought, the plant enters dormancy until suitable conditions can sustain the plant again, adapting smaller leaves and completely dropping them to reduce water loss. Additionally, both the silver-gray foliage and the light-colored hairs reflect sunlight, reducing water loss due to evaporative cooling. To conserve water, reduce heat absorption, and/or passively cool, certain designs may incorporate a similar, bio-inspired structure of the hairs.

The California Sagebrush has also adapted advantages to outcompete nearby plants: leaves store oils called terpenes, which inhibit germination and growth of nearby plants, reducing competition. A synthetic compound inspired by this may offer an biodegradable alternative to herbicides. It could also potentially serve as an environmentally friendly way to prevent the spread of invasive plants. Being derived from plants, allelochemicals are less likely to promote developed resistance in its target organisms.

The California sagebrush’s, extensive fibrous root system reaches deep into the soil to access groundwater reserves, accommodating the scarce rainwater. The particular pattern of fibrous root systems is described as “dendritic,” a branching, tree-like network that is also prevalent in rivers and blood vessels. The dendritic pattern provides the most efficient path for materials to flow with the least resistance. In order to develop resource-efficient technology, various networks that provide a flow — such as electricity running in circuit boards — may follow this dendritic system. Additionally, the fibrous roots act to hold the ground together. To protect soil from erosion, root-like structures could be implemented into the ground.

Ryan Fu and Sarah Tsu

Sources:
https://naturecollective.org/plant-guide/details/california-sagebrush/
https://plants.usda.gov/DocumentLibrary/plantguide/pdf/pg_arca11.pdf