Woodland sage Salvia nemorosa Sensation White = 'Florsalwhite' (Sensation Series)

Names

• Family

  Lamiaceae.

• Synonyms

  Woodland Sage, Balkan Clary.

• Common names

  Salvia nemorosa 'Florsalwhite'

Toxicity

• To humans

  Meadow Sage, the common name for Salvia nemorosa, including the 'Sensation White' cultivar, is generally considered non-toxic to humans. Consuming the plant is not known to cause serious harm, but as with any plant, individual sensitivities or allergic reactions can occur. If large amounts are ingested, mild gastrointestinal upset could potentially be a symptom. However, it's important to note that the essential oils can be powerful in larger, concentrated doses, so caution is advised. In typical garden settings and use, Meadow Sage does not pose significant toxic risks to humans.

• To pets

  Meadow Sage is also the common name when referring to the toxicity of Salvia nemorosa to pets. This plant is generally considered to be non-toxic to animals as well. While it is not expected to cause serious illness if ingested by pets, ingestion can sometimes lead to mild gastrointestinal discomfort, such as an upset stomach or vomiting, particularly if consumed in large quantities. As in humans, individual sensitivities are possible. Therefore, keeping an eye on pets when they are around this and any plants is a good practice, even though Meadow Sage does not typically pose a high risk of poisoning.

Characteristics

• Life cycle

  Perennials

• Foliage type

  Deciduous

• Color of leaves

  Green

• Flower color

  White

• Height

  1-2 feet (30-60 cm)

• Spread

  1-2 feet (30-60 cm)

• Plant type

  Herb

• Hardiness zones

  3-8

• Native area

  Europe Asia

General Benefits

• Attracts Pollinators: It is known to attract bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects that aid in pollination.
• Drought Tolerance: The plant is drought-resistant, making it suitable for areas with low rainfall or for gardeners looking to conserve water.
• Easy Maintenance: It requires minimal care once established, making it a convenient choice for both novice and expert gardeners.
• Aesthetic Appeal: With its white flowers, it adds a striking visual element to gardens and landscapes.
• Long Blooming Period: It has a lengthy flowering season, providing color and interest in the garden for an extended period.
• Deer Resistance: It is usually resistant to browsing by deer, which can be particularly beneficial in areas where deer predation is a problem.
• Herbaceous Perennial: As a perennial, it will return each year, reducing the need for annual replanting.

Medical Properties

This plant is not used for medical purposes.

Air-purifying Qualities

This plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.

Other Uses

• Salvia nemorosa can be used as a source of natural dye for fabrics, providing a range of colors from green to yellow, depending on the mordant used.
• The strong aroma of the plant makes it a natural insect repellent when planted in a garden border or when the leaves are used in sachets.
• Can be integrated into a sensory garden, where its textured leaves and flowers provide a tactile experience.
• Used as a companion plant in vegetable gardens, anecdotal evidence suggests it may enhance the growth and flavor of nearby plants.
• The flowers are edible and can be used as a decorative garnish on salads and desserts, adding a subtle sage flavor.
• Due to its upright and compact growth habit, the plant is suitable for creating low hedges or garden borders that require minimal maintenance.
• It can be part of a natural dye garden, where its flowers and leaves contribute to the palette of dyes available to artisans.
• The plant can be used in dried flower arrangements, where it retains its shape and color for extended periods.
• Stems can be used as filler material in the construction of insect hotels, providing nesting spaces for solitary bees and other beneficial insects.
• As a decoy plant to distract herbivores such as deer and rabbits away from more valuable garden plants, due to its unpalatable nature.

Feng Shui

The wood sage is not used in Feng Shui practice.

Zodiac Sign Compitability

The wood sage is not used in astrology practice.

Plant Symbolism

• Healing: Salvia, or sage, is commonly associated with healing and purification. Its use in medicine and spiritual cleansing rituals dates back centuries.
• Wisdom: The name Salvia is derived from the Latin "salvere," which means "to be saved" or "to save," alluding to the plant's historical connection with wisdom and knowledge.
• Longevity: Sage has been symbolically linked to longevity and immortality, partly due to its hardy nature and health benefits.
• Protection: Sage is often believed to offer protection against evil and negativity, which is why it's used in smudging ceremonies.
• Peace: The white flowers of the Salvia nemorosa Sensation White can symbolize peace, purity, and innocence, consistent with the color symbolism in Western cultures.