Sage – Botanical Profile

Sage

Salvia officinalis L. Lamiaceae Family

Distribution and Habitat

Native to the Mediterranean region; cultivated worldwide. Prefers dry, sunny habitats and calcareous soils.

Botanical and Morphological Description

A perennial subshrub with woody base and aromatic foliage.

  • Root: Woody rootstock.
  • Stem: Erect, quadrangular when young, becoming woody with age.
  • Leaves: Opposite, oblong-lanceolate, gray-green, velvety due to dense pubescence.
  • Flowers are bilabiate, violet-blue, arranged in terminal racemes.
  • Fruit: Four nutlets.
  • Seeds: Small, dark brown.

Key Identification Features: grayish, velvety leaves, aromatic camphor-like scent, woody base.

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