White Sage

Salvia apiana

ABOUT

This is a truly special plant. Native only to Southern California and Northern Baja. This is the same plant that the indigenous would burn during ceremonies, a practice that has spread to Western culture, driving overharvesting and endangering the plant.

Of course it is highly aromatic. The leaves are smoother than other sages.

One might take a look at this plant and think nothing of it, its form changes throughout the year - during peak bloom it puts on a magnificent show - stalks shooting to the sky - 8 feet long, clustered with white flowers. Bees flying in from all directions.

Great native plant for the garden, to help recover the native populations (and if you must harvest, harvest your own).

More info on yerba santa can be found on the US Forest website as well as WebMD and Wikipedia.