Sage (Salvia officinalis) is known as a popular culinary herb. It has a strong aromatic scent and bold flavor. The herb is popular in a variety of foods and meals across the world. It’s a member of the mint family and is believed to have originated in the Mediterranian. Today the herb can be found growing on almost every continent. Aside from being popular in the culinary world, it is also a favorite plant to grow for many gardeners. Gardners enjoy the aromatic scent sage fills their garden with. Nothing beats fresh sage straight from the garden. Included below is a list of different types of sage.
Purple Sage
One of the more colorful varieties of sage is purple sage. It is officially known as Salvia leucophylla and displays a bright Purple color which can be observed in several different shades. Purple Sage is native to the southern California area and Baja Mexico region. It is said to be a very tough plant due to its adaptation to growing in drought-ridden areas. This resiliency makes it an easy variety of sage to grow. The shrub will grow up to 1.5 meters tall and can be found growing in open fields and hillsides. Its strong aromatic scent is known to attract a variety of insects and birds.
White Sage
White sage can quickly be identified by its uniquely fuzzy leaves. Its scientific name is Salvia Apiana but it also goes by bee sage or sacred sage. Its referred to as Sacred Sage as this is the sage most commonly used in spiritual cleansing rituals. It was also popular with Native Americans and Shamans in their sacred rituals. White Sage can most commonly be found in the American Southwest and the upper Western parts of Mexico. Apart from being popular in spiritual use, it is also a popular food source for bees, insects, and other wildlife.
Pineapple Sage
Pineapple sage is one of the rarest sage varieties you will find. Its eye-catching bright red color makes it a unique sage variety. It can be found growing Natively in specific parts of Mexico. It’s a finicky plant that enjoys cooler temperatures and higher altitudes. Pineapple Sage is a late bloomer and will typically be found later in the growing season. This late bloom often leads to it being killed off by frost. It goes without saying you have a short time period to spot this sage growing in the wild. This is one of our favorites on the list of different types of sage.
Common Sage
Common sage is the most likely variety you will see at stores and farmers’ markets. This is a versatile variety that is most commonly used in cooking. In fact, it’s a staple in Mediterranian food. Sometimes it is cooked in dried flake form and other times it’s used fresh. Common Sage’s scientific name is Salvia Officinalis. It is an evergreen perennial that is grown around the world. The herb is said to have a sweet/bitter taste and is said to be “astringent”. It is a culinary delight that everyone should incorporate into their recipe book. Check food.com for unique sage recipes.
Clary Sage
Next on our list of different types of sage, we have Clary Sage. Clary sage is described as an easy-to-go variety that enjoys higher temperatures. It is most commonly used in essential oils and aromatherapy treatments. The essential oil extract is said to cause relaxation and even lower blood pressure. Another surprising feature is its antibacterial properties which have been shown to heal dermatological problems. Other studies have shown it to be a powerful antidepressant. Sage really does have a surprising amount of beneficial health properties.
Meadow Sage
Meadow Sage Is known scientifically as Salvia pratensis. It is also known as “Meadow Clary”. And true to its name it can be found most commonly in meadows. Regionally it can be found in Europe, North Africa, and parts of Asia. The flowers have a lilac color mixed with a slightly blue tone. They have a wonderful aromatic scent that is consistent with other varieties of sage. It is slightly picky about its growing location and prefers warmer climates. Their bloom time is typically around early to late summer. Its bright lilac and blue color make it ideal for decorative use.
Final Thoughts
Sage is a versatile herb that comes in several varieties. Many think of it as simply a food ingredient but it has many other uses. In fact, it’s even used for spiritual practices. It is said that burning sage is a way to rid a house of evil spirits. Native Americans used it in their purification rituals. Another use for sage is as an essential oil. It has been shown to reduce joint pain, treat bacterial infections, and aid in digestion. P otpourri is another common use for it. Its strong scent makes for the perfect natural air freshener. We hope this article has broadened your understanding of the different types of sage and its many uses.