Salvia apiana (white sage)

Salvia Apiana, White Sage

Tongva - kasili
Kumeyaay - pellytaay
Chumash - khapshikh
Cahuilla - qas'ily
Serrano - qaaq

A  fragrant evergreen perennial that grows up to five feet tall and eight feet wide.  The foliage is silver with soft, gray-white leaves of white.  The white flowers with a little lavender bloom April through July.  This sage can take up to three years to reach a mature size. 

The leaves are commonly used for incense.  Drop one in a glass of cool water each day, or make a calming tea.  

Apiana requires no pruning but you can remove the older flower stalks as they bloom out.

- Plant in full sun to light shade

- Best in well-drained soil, tolerates sand and clay

- Attracts birds, hummingbirds, bees, and butterflies

- Hardy up to 15 degrees

- Native to California