California white sage (Salvia apiana) is also known as bee sage or sacred sage and belongs to the Lamiaceae family. Like common sage (Salvia officinalis), it is a medicinal plant and is native to north-western Mexico and the southwestern United States, primarily California. Nowadays, white sage can be found all over the world.

The semi-shrub, evergreen, perennial, mostly herbaceous plant can grow up to 1.3 m tall. The lanceolate leaves are 4 – 8 cm long and densely covered in white hairs. The unusually shaped flowers stand together in panicles on the upright, reddish-brown stems. The flowers are white to pale lavender and bloom from May through June. The flowers attract a variety of insects, with honeybees and carpenter bees particularly drawn to the white lipped flowers. The plant’s sap exudes an intense tart, resinous odour, which is why the plant is frequently used for incense.

White sage is primarily grown as a pot plant in Europe as it is not hardy and needs to be protected from frost.

As white sage is used to dry conditions in its native habitat, water it sparingly. Do not allow the soil to dry out completely and avoid waterlogging at all costs.

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