Plan the perfect garden with our interactive tool →

How to Identify the Herb Sage

Salvia Officinalis, commonly known as garden sage, is a culinary herb favorite. It contains thujone in the volatile oil, which serves as an antiseptic, antibiotic and a vermifuge (expeller of parasites), and it is a member of the Lamiaceae (mint) family. Sage is a hardy perennial evergreen with several variations: icterina with gold leaves, purpurea with dark purple leaves that later turn green, tricolor with cream, green and pink leaves, berggarten with large oval leaves and minum, also known as dwarf garden sage. Native to Mediterranean regions, it is currently cultivated in many parts of the world.

Observe the plant as a whole to notice if it has the common identification qualities of garden sage: small shrub growing no taller than 2 feet height and spreading 1-2 feet wide.

Come closer to the herb and observe its leaves and stems for the following characteristics found in sage: purple or green woody, square stems covered in a fine down. Leaves have a leathery texture also covered with soft hair and are stalked and opposite. When observed closely, they show a network of veins on both sides of leaf and their color depends on the variety of herb (mentioned above).

  • Salvia Officinalis, commonly known as garden sage, is a culinary herb favorite.
  • Come closer to the herb and observe its leaves and stems for the following characteristics found in sage: purple or green woody, square stems covered in a fine down.

Rub leaf between thumb and index finger to gather scent on skin. Sniff for the characteristic lemony smell of sage.

Tip

Always identify herbs in the daylight for marked accuracy.

Warning

Do not ingest any herb that is not fully identified to avoid possible toxic qualities.

Related Articles

The History and Various Uses of Sage
The History and Various Uses of Sage
What Weed Killer Kills Buckthorn?
What Weed Killer Kills Buckthorn?
Sweet Herbs & Spices
Sweet Herbs & Spices
Information on the Lemon Sage Plant
Information on the Lemon Sage Plant
How to Repel Mosquitoes With a Citronella Plant
How to Repel Mosquitoes With a Citronella Plant
Information About the Tulsi Plant
Information About the Tulsi Plant
How to Identify Evergreen Shrubs
How to Identify Evergreen Shrubs
The Lowest Temperature of Marigold Plants
The Lowest Temperature of Marigold Plants
How to Identify an Herb Plant
How to Identify an Herb Plant
How to Plant the Herb Fennel
How to Plant the Herb Fennel
Hardy Perennial Herb Plants for Zone 7
Hardy Perennial Herb Plants for Zone 7
How to Identify Oregano
How to Identify Oregano
Lowest Temperatures for Pepper Plants
Lowest Temperatures for Pepper Plants
Which Herbs Grow Well in North Carolina?
Which Herbs Grow Well in North Carolina?
Characteristics of a Basil Plant
Characteristics of a Basil Plant
Pests of the Sage Plant
Pests of the Sage Plant
Basil Leaf Identification
Basil Leaf Identification
Garden Guides
×