Wood Sage Teucrium scorodonia 'Crispum'
ABOUT
The Teucrium scorodonia 'Crispum', commonly known as wood sage, is an ornamental plant with unique foliage and modest flowers. Its leaves are wrinkled and possess a curly or crispy edge, creating an unusual and visually interesting texture that can add depth to garden compositions. The leaves typically showcase a shade of green with a velvety or fuzzy surface, adding a soft appearance to the foliage. During its blooming period, wood sage produces subtle flower spikes that stand above the foliage. The flowers are small and often appear in a soft, muted color such as pale yellow or greenish. They may not be as showy as those of other garden plants, but they have their own delicate charm. Despite the inconspicuous nature of its blooms, the plant can be appreciated for the distinct characteristics of its leaves and its fine contribution to the overall texture and tone of plant arrangements.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Lamiaceae.
Synonyms
Wood Sage, Woodland Germander, Curly Wood Sage.
Common names
Teucrium scorodonia 'Crispum'.
ToxicityTo humans
Wood Sage is generally not considered highly toxic to humans. However, as with many plants, it can potentially cause mild digestive upset if ingested in large quantities. It is not commonly associated with severe poisoning or long-lasting effects in humans.
To pets
Wood Sage is also not known to be highly toxic to pets. If a pet were to ingest a large amount of the plant, they might experience mild gastrointestinal discomfort, but significant toxicity is not commonly reported. As with any non-food plant, it’s wise to prevent pets from eating it to avoid any potential issues.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Semi-deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Yellow
Height
2 feet [60 cm]
Spread
2 feet [60 cm]
Plant type
Shrub
Hardiness zones
7
Native area
Europe
Benefits
General Benefits- Aesthetic Appeal: Teucrium scorodonia 'Crispum', commonly known as Wood Sage, offers attractive foliage that can add texture and visual interest to gardens.
- Drought Tolerance: Wood Sage is known for its ability to withstand dry conditions once established, making it suitable for drought-prone areas.
- Low Maintenance: It requires minimal care once established, ideal for those who have limited time for garden maintenance.
- Pollinator Attraction: This plant attracts bees and butterflies, which are beneficial for pollination of gardens and ecosystems.
- Deer Resistance: Wood Sage is generally resistant to deer, which can help to protect it and other plants in the garden from being eaten.
- Ground Cover: The plant can be used as an effective ground cover, as it spreads easily and can help reduce soil erosion.
- Shade Tolerance: It can grow in partial shade, making it versatile for different areas of a garden.
- Edging Plant: Due to its neat growth habit, it is suitable for edging paths and borders, providing a defined edge to garden beds.
- Versatile Use: Wood Sage can be used in traditional beds, borders, cottage gardens, and even in wilder, native plantings.
- Seasonal Interest: Offering a variety of seasonal interest with flowers in summer and persistent foliage, it can help maintain visual appeal throughout the year.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- As a companion plant in the garden, Teucrium scorodonia 'Crispum', commonly known as wood sage, can attract beneficial insects that help control pest populations.
- Wood sage can be used as a natural dye for fabrics, its leaves producing a subtle green hue.
- In culinary arts, the leaves of wood sage may be used as a flavoring agent for certain artisanal cheeses, imparting a unique aroma and taste.
- The plant is sometimes included in potpourri mixes due to its pleasant scent, adding a forest-like fragrance to the mixture.
- Wood sage can be used in floral arrangements, particularly wildflower bouquets, providing a rustic charm and textural contrast.
- The plant has potential as a natural insect repellent in the garden due to its aromatic properties that certain pests might find unattractive.
- Wood sage can be a subject in botanical illustration and photography owing to its interesting leaf shape and texture, making it popular among artists and photographers.
- In educational settings, it may be used to demonstrate plant adaptation and evolution, as its crinkled leaves are an example of how plants can evolve to survive in different conditions.
- Wood sage leaves may be used in small scale biomass experiments showcasing how plant matter can be converted into renewable energy.
- It can serve as a ground cover to prevent soil erosion on slopes due to its dense foliage and hardy nature.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe plant Wood Sage is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe plant Wood Sage is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Protection: Teucrium scorodonia 'Crispum', also known as Wood Sage, has historically been associated with shielding and safeguarding people from harm, hence its symbolism for protection.
- Longevity: The resilient nature of Wood Sage, thriving in various conditions, makes it a symbol of long life and endurance.
- Wisdom: Wood Sage is often linked to wisdom and deep knowledge, as sage in general is considered a plant of insight and sagacity.
- Health: With its past medicinal uses, Wood Sage represents health and healing.
WaterThe Wood Sage should be watered thoroughly until the water runs from the drainage holes, and then allow the soil to dry out slightly between waterings. It is typically sufficient to water once a week, but this may vary depending on climate and indoor conditions such as air humidity and temperature. Adjust the frequency to ensure that the top inch of soil dries out before watering again. An average recommendation would be to provide approximately half a gallon of water every week during active growth periods. Over the winter, when the plant is dormant, reduce watering further to prevent root rot.
LightThe Wood Sage thrives best in partial shade to full sun exposure. It should be placed in a location where it can receive dappled sunlight or morning sun and afternoon shade, which mimics its natural woodland habitat. Avoid placing it in deep shade or in full afternoon sun, as too little or too much light can hinder its growth. Indoors, a window with east or west exposure would be ideal, providing the balanced light conditions the plant prefers.
TemperatureWood Sage is tolerant of a wide range of temperatures; however, it grows best in conditions between 60 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit. It can survive in temperatures as low as 10 degrees Fahrenheit, making it a hardy choice for outdoor cultivation in many climates. To maintain robust growth, avoid exposing the plant to temperature extremes beyond these ranges for prolonged periods.
PruningWood Sage benefits from pruning to maintain a compact and healthy shape, encourage bushy growth, and promote more vigorous flowering. Prune in early spring before new growth starts by cutting back the previous year's growth by about one-third. Deadheading spent flowers throughout the growing season can also encourage a second bloom. Additionally, pruning can be done after flowering to reshape the plant if necessary.
CleaningAs needed
SoilWood Sage prefers well-draining soil rich in organic matter with a pH between 6.0 and 7.5. A mix of garden soil, compost, and perlite or sand can create an ideal environment for its growth.
RepottingWood Sage should be repotted every 2 to 3 years or when it has outgrown its current pot, typically in spring before the onset of the new growing season.
Humidity & MistingWood Sage thrives best in moderate humidity conditions and can be adaptable to the typical humidity levels found in most homes or natural outdoor environments.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place Wood Sage in bright, indirect light and ensure good air circulation.
Outdoor
Plant Wood Sage in partial shade and protect from strong winds.
Hardiness zone
4-9 USDA
Life cycleTeucrium scorodonia 'Crispum,' commonly known as Wood Sage, begins its life cycle with seed germination occurring in favorable conditions of warmth and moisture. The seedlings then develop into juvenile plants, exhibiting crinkled, wrinkly leaves with a distinctive texture. As the plants mature and enter the vegetative stage, they establish a strong root system and form a dense, bushy clump of foliage. During the reproductive phase in summer, Wood Sage produces small, yellow-green flowers that attract bees and other pollinators, enabling cross-pollination. After pollination, seeds develop and are eventually dispersed to start a new generation. Throughout the seasons, Wood Sage may undergo periods of dormancy during colder months, enabling it to survive adverse conditions and resume growth in spring.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
Propogation: For Teucrium scorodonia 'Crispum', commonly known as Wood Sage, the most popular method of propagation is through softwood cuttings. This is typically done in late spring or early summer when the plant's new growth is tender and pliable. Cuttings should be about 4 to 6 inches (10 to 15 centimeters) long and taken from the current year's growth. Remove the lower leaves, dip the cut end into a rooting hormone, and place it in a well-draining soil mix. Maintaining a humid environment, either through a propagation dome or plastic bag, will help encourage root development. Keep the cuttings in indirect light and make sure the soil stays moist but not waterlogged. Roots usually develop within a few weeks, after which the plant can be gradually acclimated to normal conditions and eventually transplanted outdoors.
