PlantFiles: White Sage
Salvia apiana

@Lilithu: Artemisia Apiana is a non-existent plant. Sagebrush is Artemisia Tridentata. The Native Americans used and still use Salvia Apiana and Salvia Officinalis, among other plants. Please, get your facts straight before posting misleading information for those who would not know better.

Salvia Apiana is not toxic. In fact, it is used to cleanse the body, and has been proven useful against colds and coughs.

I find this to be a very charming plant. The history of it is attractive, but so is the foliage and the smell. Some people don't like the smell, but I think it is wonderful. White Sage is excellent for xeriscaping, and I have it planted in the most neglected parts of my garden and it is thriving. I had no problem growing it from seed, and this has definitely become a lifelong addition to my garden.

I think people have been confusing this herb with Sagebrush (Artemisia apiana) - folk name - White sage. That is the herb that the American Indians used in smudging - so maybe this sage is one to avoid IF toxic. I grew this herb thinking it was Sagebrush - but still attractive & I'm sure it will be fine to use for smudging in place of Sagebrush - maybe just be careful with the fumes!

GROWING IT: While establishing it needs regular watering, then reduce to little water or you will reduce the plants life span. 4th year growing it in the Mojave Desert in full sun, doesn't flinch in 100-120 degrees when other plants go into a 'dormant-state'. Almost maintence free; just cut back the flower stalks.

USES: I & the humming birds absolutely love this plant; they guard it & have nested nearby. Soft breezes scent the garden. Fresh/dry herbs for cooking and teas. Cuttings for smudge sticks & potpourri/sachets. Therapeutic dry bath a dog with fresh leaves; rub all over. The herbal/therapeutic uses/benefits are vast; it is necessary & easy to self-educate. One mature plant is sufficient for the averge famies needs.

BUGS & CATS: Adding dried leaves to mulch in the vegi garden keeps many bugs at bay. Cats cringe & sneeze at the scent; good to keep them out of the garden.

Smudging with this plant will not make a pregnant woman miscarry or nauseous. In fact, among the native peoples who use it, this plant is specifically used during childbirth.

Please don't post hearsay about herbs. When you post an assertion about toxicity, give references to back up your assertions.

This plant is great to grow in warm environments. Growing your own will mean less stripping of the herb in the wild.

This is a lovely fragrant salvia and may be divided at the roots but be careful as it does not like being translplanted very much. It is best (and very easy) to propagate buy cuttings.

On TOXICITY of Salvia Apiana: many people burn the dried leaves of this plant an an aromatherapeutic incense, or "smudge" (a Native American cleansing practice). The smoke of the burning herb is toxic to pregnant women (will cause nausea/vomiting, and may in extreme cases cause miscarriage).

Culinary, decorative and medicinal use. Sort of a woody plant. Used to make smudge sticks in cermonies in Native American rituals. Aromatic. Used in honey. Many medicinal and household uses. It's more of a shrub, really. Harvest after plants have established themselves. In the second and following years, cut the stems about a half foot from soil as flowers bloom. Then hang upside down in ventilated dry room.