Purple Sage

Salvia carnosa

Physical Characteristics

Salvia carnosa is an evergreen Shrub growing to 0.8 m (2ft 7in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 7. It is in leaf all year, in flower from July to August. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Bees. 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.

Habitats

Woodland Garden Sunny Edge; Cultivated Beds;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Seed Edible Uses: Seed - cooked. Ground into a powder and used to thicken soups etc or added to cereal flours when making bread etc[105].

Medicinal Uses

Analgesic Antispasmodic Febrifuge Pectoral Stomachic A decoction of the seeds and stems is used to treat colds[61]. A decoction or infusion of the leaves has been used in the treatment of fevers, coughs, colds and stomach aches[257]. A poultice of the crushed leaves has been applied tot he chest to treat congestion[257]. A decoction of the leaves and stems can be drunk, used as a wash or as a steam bath in the treatment of headaches[257]. A decoction of the flowering stems has been used as a poultice and a wash to treat swollen leg veins[257]. The plant is much valued as a treatment for an epileptic or faint person, either administered as a drink or prepared like tobacco and the smoke blown into the patients face[216, 257].

Known Hazards

None known