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Salvia apiana -Lamiaceae (Labiateae) -'White Sage,' 'Grandfather Sage,' 'Salvia Blanca.' - This native of the hills of southern California is the plant commonly harvested, and many would say, atrociously overharvested, for usage as 'smudge sticks.' It also has a long history of medicinal use from the California natives to the present-day occupants, the aromatic oils being useful for a wide variety of complaints. The seed for these plants was harvested from 4100' in the Cuyamaca Mountains in San Diego County where winter snow is common and frosts routine.

In the garden this is surprisingly adaptable to many different California climates, thriving anywhere where good drainage and sun can be provided, and hard frosts below 10º - 15º can be avoided. On the Redwood Coast, it will do fine in a sunny spot if it is given a summertime rest from water. Established plants will flower for a long season, from June 'till frost, and it will certainly make a more attractive specimen than the drought stressed plants you find in the wild. The habit is that of a tight shrub about 3'x3' topped by tall wands of white flowers which can top 8'.

In the non-Mediterranean climates of the rest of the US, much success has been had growing the plant. It can be grown in the field in well drained soil. It can also be grown as an early-planted annual or by overwintering it in a greenhouse.