Common Name:
White sage
Plant Type:
Evergreen shrub
Family:
Lamiaceae (The Mint Family)
Geographic Origin:
California
California Native?:
Yes

Plant Size:
4-8 feet high
Landscape/Garden Uses:
Mixed plantings
Flowering Season:
Spring and summer

Flower Color:
White
Exposure:
Full sun
Soils:
Well-drained soil

Suggested Irrigation:
Moderate to little watering
Estimated Hardiness:
Hardy to 15 degrees F. or less

This is a common sight in the hills of southern California but not well known in the north. The main body of the plant is usually under 3 feet high, with several short, stocky stems. These are crowded with nearly white, somewhat bitterly aromatic leaves, up to 4 inches long. Above them rise openly branched, wandlike flower stems, as much as 6 foot high. These carry rather few flowers up to 1 inch in length, white overall with lavender or pink markings. This plant needs more sun and better soil drainage than many salvias but has nearly unlimited drought tolerance.