| Salvia viridis | |
|---|---|
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| (unranked): | Angiosperms |
| (unranked): | Eudicots |
| (unranked): | Asterids |
| Order: | Lamiales |
| Family: | Lamiaceae |
| Genus: | Salvia |
| Species: | S. viridis |
| Binomial name | |
| Salvia viridis L. |
|
| Synonyms | |
|
Salvia horminum L. |
|
Salvia viridis (Annual Clary, Orval) is an annual plant native to an area extending from the Mediterranean to the Crimea and into Iran. It was known as Salvia horminum for many years, since Carl Linnaeus described S. viridis and S. horminum as separate species in 1753. Some modern botanist still believe that they are two separate species. viridis, from the Greek, refers to the color green, with implications of youth and vigor. horminum is Greek for sage.[1]
Salvia viridis quickly grows to 1 to 2 feet (0.30 to 0.61 m) tall and 1 foot (0.30 m) wide, with a flowering period of over a month. Colorful bracts almost hide the tiny two-lipped flowers, which are cream-colored, with the upper lip tinged with purple or rose, reflecting the bract color. The flowers last well as cut flowers or dried flowers. The plant prefers friable soil, good drainage, moderate water, and three-quarters to a full day of sunlight. Seed can be sown in late March in a greenhouse or directly into the border after the last frost.[1]
In A Modern Herbal, M. Grieve and C. F. Lyel write that the seeds and leaves of Salvia viridis used to be added to fermenting vats to "greatly increase the inebriating quality of the liquor". An infusion of the leaves was used for sore gums, and powdered leaves for snuff. It was also reported to be a good honey-producing plant.[1]