White sage (sacred sage) Salvia apiana
White sage (sacred sage) (Salvia apiana) is an evergreen perennial herb in the Lamiaceae family, native to Coastal sage scrub of southern California and northern Baja California. It grows 1–1.5 m (3.3–4.9 ft) tall and 1–1.5 m (3.3–4.9 ft) wide, wants full sun and low water, and is hardy to about -7 °C (19 °F). Space plants about 1.2 m (3.9 ft) apart.
Plan White sage (sacred sage) in your garden →
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White sage (sacred sage) at a glance
| Type | Perennial herb, evergreen |
|---|---|
| Family | Lamiaceae |
| Mature height | 1–1.5 m (3.3–4.9 ft) |
| Mature spread | 1–1.5 m (3.3–4.9 ft) |
| Spacing | 1.2 m (3.9 ft) centre to centre |
| Sun | Full sun, at least 7 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Low; drought tolerance high, waterlogging tolerance none |
| Soil pH | 6–8 |
| Cold hardiness | About -7 °C (19 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 8) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 42 °C (108 °F) |
| Flowering | from about April for 6–9 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones) |
| Wind tolerance | Moderate |
| Pollinator value | High |
| Edible | Yes: seeds (traditionally), leaves (tea, sparingly) |
| Native to | Coastal sage scrub of southern California and northern Baja California |
| Common in gardens of | 🇺🇸 United States, 🇲🇽 Mexico |
Is White sage (sacred sage) toxic?
- People: not known to be toxic
- Cats: not known to be toxic
- Dogs: not known to be toxic
Not poisonous.
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with White sage (sacred sage)
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like full sun and low water.
Questions about White sage (sacred sage)
- How far apart should I plant White sage (sacred sage)?
- About 1.2 m (3.9 ft) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 1–1.5 m (3.3–4.9 ft).
- Does White sage (sacred sage) need full sun?
- Full sun: at least 7 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does White sage (sacred sage) need?
- Low water. Drought tolerance is high and waterlogging tolerance none.
- How cold-hardy is White sage (sacred sage)?
- It tolerates about -7 °C (19 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 8.
- When does White sage (sacred sage) flower?
- From about April for 6–9 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones).
- Is White sage (sacred sage) poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is not known to be toxic; for dogs not known to be toxic; for people not known to be toxic. Not poisonous.
- What grows well with White sage (sacred sage)?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for White sage (sacred sage). Group it with plants that like the same sun (full sun) and water (low).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade A (A: strong evidence).
- Plants of the World Online (taxonomy, native range), Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
- Calscape: California native plants, California Native Plant Society
- Calflora: information on California plants, Calflora (non-profit database), Berkeley, California
Notes and assumptions
- A California native of the chaparral and foothills: it grows through the mild, wet winter and rests in the dry summer, when it should be left unwatered once established.
- Thick, almost white, intensely aromatic leaves and tall arching wands of white flowers that only big bees can open. Sacred to many California Native peoples; wild stands are being stripped for the smudge-stick trade, so grow your own or buy from Native growers.
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
Related plants
- Basil Ocimum basilicum
- Rosemary Salvia rosmarinus
- Thyme Thymus vulgaris
- Mint Mentha spicata
- English lavender Lavandula angustifolia
- Creeping thyme Thymus serpyllum
- Common sage Salvia officinalis
- Oregano Origanum vulgare