White Sage, Compact white sage

Salvia apiana

Physical Characteristics

Salvia apiana is a PERENNIAL growing to 3 m (9ft 10in) at a medium rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 8. It is in flower from April to July. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Bees. The plant is self-fertile. It is noted for attracting wildlife. Suitable for: light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers dry or moist soil.

Distribution

South-western N. America - California.

Habitats

Cultivated Beds; South Wall. By. West Wall. By.

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Seed Stem Edible Uses: Condiment Drink Seed - raw or cooked. It can be ground into a powder and used as a mush[177, 257]. The seed has been mixed with cereals such as oats or wheat, toasted then ground into a fine powder and eaten dry[257]. The seed can also be soaked overnight and used as a drink in water or fruit juice or eaten with cereals[61, 183]. The seed is also used as a spice[105]. The leaves are used in cooking[183]. They can be used as a flavouring in seed mushes[257]. Stem tops[105, 177]. The young stalks can be eaten raw[257]. Ripe stem tops can be peeled and eaten raw[257].

Medicinal Uses

Blood tonic Ophthalmic An infusion of the leaves is used as a blood tonic and as a treatment for coughs and colds[257]. The leaves can be eaten, or used as a sweat bath, in the treatment of colds[257]. The seeds have been used as eye cleaners[257]. No more information is given here, but in other instances the seed has been placed in the eye, it then forms a gelatinous covering to which any foreign matter in the eye adheres. The seed is washed out of the eye by the eyes own tears[K].

Known Hazards

None known