Salvia officinalis

Salvia officinalis, commonly called common sage or sage, is a perennial, evergreen subshrub in the mint family (Lamiaceae).

Salvia officinalis, commonly called common sage or sage, is a perennial, evergreen subshrub in the mint family (Lamiaceae). Native to the Mediterranean region, it is widely cultivated for culinary, medicinal, and ornamental uses and has naturalized in many other parts of the world. In Canada, it is cultivated as a culinary herb and garden plant, with Ontario and Quebec among introduced locations.

Description

Salvia officinalis is a perennial, evergreen subshrub with woody stems. Its leaves are grayish to gray-green and aromatic. The flower is blue to purplish. The plant is typically associated with the characteristic scent and flavor of culinary sage.

Distribution and habitat

Salvia officinalis is native to the Mediterranean region, where it occurs in shrublands, grasslands, hillsides, and mountains. It has been widely cultivated and naturalized in many other parts of the world. In Canada, it is cultivated as a culinary herb and garden plant, with Ontario and Quebec among introduced locations.

Uses

Common sage is widely used as a culinary herb for its aromatic flavor. It has a long history of use in traditional medicine. It is also grown as an ornamental plant and has been the subject of medicinal and pharmacological research.

Naming and taxonomy

Salvia officinalis is the scientific name for common sage. It belongs to the genus Salvia in the mint family (Lamiaceae). The common name 'sage' is shared with other species in the genus, so 'common sage' is often used for clarity.