Salvia verbenaca

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Salvia verbenaca

Kingdom:	Plantae
Division:	Magnoliophyta
Class:	Magnoliopsida
Order:	Lamiales
Family:	Lamiaceae
Genus:	Salvia
Species:	S. verbenaca

Binomial name

Salvia verbenaca
L.

Salvia verbenaca, also known as Wild Clary or Wild Sage, is a tall (up to 70 cm) perennial herb with hairy stems and branches that erectly sprawl out. Its leaves are basal and toothed that vary from 3-10 cm long. It has soft purple to violet flowers in mid summer. It can be found growing wildly in meadows in the eastern half of the United States.

[edit] Physical Characteristics

Perennial growing to 0.6m. It is hardy to zone 6. It is in flower from June to September, and the seeds ripen from July to October. The flowers are hermaphrodite (have both male and female organs) and are pollinated by Bees and Cleistogomy (self-pollinating without flowers ever opening). The plant is self-fertile. It is noted for attracting wildlife.The plant prefers light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils and requires well-drained soil. The plant prefers neutral and basic (alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It requires dry or moist soil and can tolerate drought. The plant can tolerates strong winds but not maritime exposure.

[edit] Uses

Wild Clary is used widely to flavor cooked foods. Leaves - raw or cooked. They are most often used as a flavouring in cooked foods. They are aromatic. The young leaves can be eaten fried or candied. A herb tea is made from the leaves, it is said to improve the digestion. Flowers - raw. A flavouring in salads