Leaf
Jean-François Molino, Tela Botanica · CC BY-SA 2.0
Clary sage
Salvia sclarea L.
Also known as: Clary
Family: Lamiaceae
60 cm to 1 m tall
Dry, chalky slopes, garrigue, aromatic plant gardens
Flowering: June – August
Full sun
-20°C
❓ How do you recognise this plant?
Its essential oil, extracted from its flowers, is an essential base of fine perfumery under the name 'clary sage'.
🍃 Leaves
Large ovate leaves, crinkled, hairy, very aromatic
🌸 Flowers
Large two-lipped flowers, mauve-white to pinkish, surrounded by large pink bracts, grouped in spikes
🍎 Fruits
Four small smooth achenes at the base of the persistent calyx
🪵 Bark
Erect square stem, hairy, much branched in its upper part
🗺️ Distribution
Mediterranean region and western Asia; found in the south of France, also grown further north in gardens.
🐝 Value for pollinators
Very nectar-rich spikes, particularly attractive to bees and bumblebees throughout the summer flowering period.
✂️ Horticultural uses
Dry and Mediterranean gardens, aromatic borders; large pink bracts very decorative, also used in perfumery.
⚠️ Possible toxicity
Non-toxic; aromatic and medicinal plant used in perfumery and in infusions.
🌿 Other Lamiaceae to discover
ℹ️ Educational profile — do not use it to judge whether a plant is edible or safe.
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