Salvia apiana

Common name(s): white sage, sacred sage

Description: evergreen shrub; a California & Mexico native that was traditionally used as food by the Cahuilla and Chumash peoples and used both ceremonially and medicinally in other indigenous cultures. A popular herb for smudging and cleansing spaces. Blooms long spires of white flowers in summer and is famously known as a bee plant, though it attracts hummingbirds as well. Leaves are very pleasantly aromatic.

Height: to 18 in. Spread: to 2 ft.

Position: full sun and well-draining soil

Uses: medicine, culinary- savory dishes, stuffing, herbal tea

Winter Hardiness: to 10 F and below (requires perfect drainage)

Drought: adapted to 5 months of summer drought