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Plants for Water Wise Pollinator Gardens: Culinary sage (Salvia officinalis)

Last Updated: April 19, 2013

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Bee visiting sage flower
Photo credit: Squil Flickr CC BY-NC-SA 2.0

Garden sage in bloom
Photo credit: camera bag Flickr CC BY-NC-ND 2.0

Plant Family

Mint Family (Lamiaceae/ Labatieae)

 

Common Names

Sage
Culinary sage
Garden sage
Common sage
Kitchen sage
True sage
Dalmatian sage
Broadleaf sage


Description

Garden sage is a short-lived evergreen perennial woody sub-shrub native to the Mediterranean region.

Sage can grow up to 3 feet tall and wide depending on cultivar. Grayish green leaves and spikes of white, pink, or purple flowers in summer make this an attractive garden plant.

Many cultivars are available; some with colored or variegated leaves. Sage leaves and flowers are used for cooking and for medicinal purposes.

Sage contains compounds that can potentially be dangerous when consumed in large amounts Please use with caution.

Sage is adapted to USDA Hardiness Zones 3 through 9 and does best on well drained dry soils in full sun.


Attracts

Bees

 

Additional Resources:

                USDA Plants Database       

West

                Washington - Using Garden Sage Wisely    
Midwest

                Illinois - Some Sage Advice

               

                                                                                                                          

 

 

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