Common sage - Salvia officinalis (Care, Characteristics, Flower, Images)

Common sage

Also known as: True sage, Garden sage

Salvia officinalis, colloquially known as common sage, is an evergreen woody shrub that grows in dry and stony places. It has a long history of cultivation for culinary purposes as well as for its distinctive scent, which is now incorporated into candles, potpourri, and beauty products, often combined with lemon. Common sage's lovely purple flowers adorn many gardens and flower beds all over the world.

Scientific classification

Species

Common sage (Salvia officinalis)

Mints plantains olives and allies

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Perennial

Lifespan

Herb

Plant Type

Late spring, Summer, Fall

Bloom Time

Late summer, Early fall

Harvest Time

30 cm to 1 m

Plant Height

60 cm

Spread

Green, Gray, Silver, Yellow, Purple

Leaf Color

2.5 cm to 8 cm

Flower Size

Blue, Purple, White, Pink, Violet

Flower Color

Green, Gray, Silver

Stem Color

Winter dormancy

Dormancy

Evergreen

Leaf type

10 - 35 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Spring, Summer

Growth Season

Moderate

Growth Rate

Images of Common sage

Distribution of Common sage

Distribution Map

Common sage is native to the Mediterranean region along dry, stony riverbanks. It is naturalized in parts of the United States, North Africa, and central Europe where, as an evergreen shrub, it prefers warmer winters.

Native

Cultivated

Invasive

Introduced

No species reported

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Habitat

Dry banks and stony places

Hemisphere Trend Curve

Northern

Sorthern

Flowering

Fruiting

Culture

Economic Value

The essential oil extracted from garden sage can be used to produce cosmetics.

Garden Use

Common sage is well-kept in herb and vegetable gardens. The scent and color of its blue to purple flowers attract pollinators like bees and butterflies. The common sage does well in perennial, edible, rock, and cottage gardens. It is also prized for ornamental and culinary uses. Good companion plants include Dahlia, Day lilies, Zinnias, and Marigold.

Symbolism

Family happiness, wisdom

Interesting Facts

Common sage is among the "essential herbs" for English and Italian cuisines. The plant enjoys widespread use throughout European cooking traditions. It is also cultivated for the fragrance of its distilled oils. Common sage has been used for centuries in traditional remedies, but its efficacy has not yet been clinically verified.

Name Story

Salvia officinalis: The common modern English name, sage derives from Medieval English, sawge which was borrowed from Old French, sauge and the genus name stems from latin, salvere. When used without modifiers, the name 'sage' generally refers to Salvia officinalis as common sage.

Kitchen sage: It is one of the indispensable side dishes in European cuisine. Its specific epithet, officinalis also expresses its unique medicinal and culinary value, so it is called kitchen sage.

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Cultivars

There are several recognized cultivars of Common sage, including the following common varieties :

Golden Sage Common sage 'Tricolor'Purple sage Common sage 'Icterina'

Toxicity

Common sage contains thujone, which can damage the liver and nervous system if ingested regularly or in large amounts. Symptoms include nausea, vomiting, seizures, jaundice, and liver or kidney damage. The plant's smell and taste might attract children, so keep it out of their reach.

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Quickly Identify Common sage

Square stems with fuzzy texture, evolving to woodier texture as plant matures.

Oppositely arranged ovate leaves with smooth margins, velvety feel, and grayish-green color.

Whorls of two-lipped bluish-lavender flowers on upright spikes, attracting pollinators.

Fruit with schizocarp nature, containing 4 chambers with small spherical nutlets.

Leaves measuring 4 inches long, grayish-green with hairy surface and netted venation.

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Care Guide for Common sage

Every week

Water

Full sun

Sunlight

10 - 35 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Water: Common sage, native to the Mediterranean, prefers dry, rocky soils and can endure drought. It thrives with a weekly watering routine, without overwatering. As an evergreen perennial herb, common sage needs less water during dormancy in colder months, making it ideal for outdoor growth benefiting from rainfall.

Fertilize: For common sage, use balanced fertilizers and high phosphorus during flowering. Fertilize every 4-6 weeks in spring and summer, reduce in fall and winter. Avoid fertilizing stressed or newly planted common sage. Slow-release or diluted options promote gradual nutrient absorption.

Pruning: Common sage is an aromatic, woody perennial valued for culinary and medicinal uses. Prune from early spring to late winter, cutting back one-third for shape. Avoid heavy pruning in late summer to protect blooms. Regular pruning enhances air circulation, reduces disease risk, and boosts plant vigor.

Propagation: Common sage propagates best through cuttings in spring or summer, requiring moderate care. Success is indicated by new growth, while maintaining high humidity promotes effective establishment of the cuttings.

Repotting: Common sage should be repotted every 2-3 years in spring to support its growth. Use well-draining containers that are slightly larger to maintain its bushy form. Post-repotting, provide sufficient sunlight and moderate watering for recovery and healthy growth.

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Images of Common sage

Distribution of Common sage

Culture

Cultivars

Toxicity

Quickly Identify Common sage

Care Guide for Common sage

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