White Sage

Salvia apiana is an evergreen shrub native to the southwestern US. Growing between 4 and 5 feet and around 4 feet wide, the plant requires full sun, dry soil, and very little water. It occurs on coastal sage scrub and chaparral slopes, as well as in yellow-pine forests. The leaves are whitish and secrete strong-smelling (pleasant) oils and resins. The pale lavender-to-white flowers are attractive to bees and other pollinators. White sage is used by many Native American groups along the Pacific coast in everything from food to ritual ceremonies.