Salvia apiana (Sacred White Sage) is a perennial shrub that is native to the region covering the southwestern United States and northwestern Mexico. Locals consider the plant sacred and have also used the leaves, roots and seeds as a food source and for medicinal remedies. As an ornamental, this striking evergreen has beautiful silvery foliage which also emits a strong aroma.
Suitable for Sub-Tropical and Tropical climates.
Salvia apiana is also known by other common names such as the Smudge Plant, Californian White Sage, Bee Sage, Sacred Sage, Buffalo Sage and Grandfather Sage.
They are often found in their natural habitat growing in spiky clusters at the edge of deserts or in coastal scrub areas where the nutrients are poor and the temperatures are consistently warm.
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Growth
Salvia apiana is a perennial evergreen that can grow to heights of up to 1.5 metres (5 feet) tall and spread as far as 1.3 metres (4 feet) wide. Sacred White Sage enjoys full sun and once established, doesn’t require much watering. The whitish, silvery leaves can grow to almost 10cm (4 inches) and are opposite with crenulate margins. Each leaf is covered in hairs that trigger oil glands which when rubbed release a strong aroma.
The white almost lavender coloured flowers grow on stalks beyond the foliage and are very attractive to bees and butterflies. Sacred White Sage prefers a low-nutrient soil so it does not require fertiliser, just a soil that drains well and is located in a sunny position with good air circulation.
Note: Germination instructions can be found in the ‘Germination Instructions Tab’ below. Upon purchase you will receive these detailed instructions via email so that you have a permanent record.
FAMILY:
Lamiaceae
CLIMATE:
Dry, Sub-Tropical and Tropical
TEMPERATURE RANGE:
5-26°C / 41-80°F
SOIL TYPE:
Well-drained, moist low-nutrient soil.
LOCATION:
Full Sun.
HEIGHT:
Up to 1.5m (5 feet)
WIDTH:
Up to 1.3m (4 feet)
pH:
6.5-8.0
GROWTH TYPE:
Perennial.
WATER REQUIREMENTS:
Light
POLLINATION:
Bees and Butterflies.
MATURITY:
6-12 months.
GERMINATION RATES:
40-50%
GERMINATION TIME:
7-21 days at temperatures between 20-25°C / 68-77°F
GERMINATION DIFFICULTY:
Medium
SEEDS PER GRAM:
Approximately 450
MEDICINAL QUALITIES:
Yes
WEED POTENTIAL:
No.
EDIBLE:
Yes, as a herbal tea or smoked.
SEED STORAGE & VIABILITY:
Cold Storage at 4°C (Fridge) up to 5 years.
FACTS ABOUT SALVIA APIANA (Sacred White Sage)
Salvia apiana is widely used by Native Americans that live close to the plants native region. The seeds have been used as a flavouring in pinole, a staple food source that is made from maize. Seeds are also used to make biscuits and a stews. The stems and leaves are also a traditional food for the Chumash people. Leaves were often used as a spice in cooking, but also provided medicinal value in both a poultice or a tincture.
For healing use, some tribes have used the seeds to remove foreign objects from the eye in a similar way that Clary Sage seeds have been used in Europe. A tea made from the roots is also a traditional method for some tribes to help women heal and recover after childbirth.
Different parts of Sacred White Sage plants are used by some tribes to perform purification rituals. The plant is also popular for use as an incense stick and for smudging. Smudging is the process of burning parts of the plant, often the leaves, to release a fragrant smoke. While the term “Smudging” is often applied to this process, the origin of that term actually comes from medieval Europe.
For more information about the cultural significance of Salvia apiana click here.
