Night Butterfly Sage Salvia 'Nachtvlinder'

Names

• Synonyms

  Nachtvlinder Sage, Purple Sage, Ornamental Sage

• Common names

  Salvia 'Nachtvlinder'.

Toxicity

• To humans

  Salvia 'Nachtvlinder', commonly known as Sage, is generally not considered toxic to humans. Eating reasonable amounts of Sage as an herb in cooking is safe, and there's no widely recognized risk of poisoning from casually ingesting parts of this plant. However, consuming large amounts of Sage, especially in the form of essential oils, can potentially cause symptoms such as restlessness, vomiting, vertigo, rapid heart rate, tremors, seizures, and kidney damage. It should be noted that the essential oil contains thujone, which can be toxic in high doses, but the plant as a whole isn't commonly associated with this level of toxicity.

• To pets

  Salvia 'Nachtvlinder', commonly known as Sage, is not typically considered highly toxic to pets. Dogs and cats that ingest small amounts of the plant may not exhibit any symptoms and will likely tolerate it well as it is not normally a part of their diet. However, as with other non-typical food sources, ingestion of larger quantities may cause mild stomach upset in some pets. If a pet consumes a significant amount of Sage or its essential oils, it could potentially experience more severe symptoms similar to those in humans, including gastrointestinal upset, central nervous system depression, or more seriously heart rate changes. If there is any suspicion of overdose or poisoning, it is important to consult with a veterinarian.

Characteristics

• Life cycle

  Perennials

• Foliage type

  Deciduous

• Color of leaves

  Green

• Flower color

  Purple

• Height

  1-2 feet (30-60 cm)

• Spread

  1-2 feet (30-60 cm)

• Plant type

  Shrub

• Hardiness zones

  7

• Native area

  Cultivar

General Benefits

• Aesthetic Appeal: The Salvia 'Nachtvlinder', commonly known as Night Moth Sage, features striking deep purple flowers that add a splash of vibrant color to any garden.
• Attracts Pollinators: It is an excellent attractor of beneficial insects like bees and butterflies, which are essential for pollination.
• Drought Tolerance: Night Moth Sage is well-suited for xeriscaping or drought-prone areas, as it can withstand periods of limited water supply once established.
• Long Blooming Season: Its blooming season extends from late spring through to autumn, providing a long period of visual interest.
• Low Maintenance: This plant is known for being low maintenance, requiring minimal care once it is established in the appropriate conditions.
• Herbaceous Perennial: As a perennial, it will return after winter, eliminating the need to replant every year, which saves time and effort.
• Fragrance: The foliage and flowers emit a delightful fragrance that can add another layer of enjoyment to a garden setting.
• Erosion Control: Its root system can help to stabilize soil, making it a good choice for slopes or areas prone to erosion.
• Deer Resistance: Night Moth Sage is generally resistant to deer, which can be particularly beneficial in areas where deer grazing is a problem for gardeners.
• Culinary Uses: While excluding medicinal properties, the leaves of many Salvia species are used for culinary purposes, often to add flavor to dishes.

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

• Artistic Dye: The blossoms of the Night Butterfly Sage, if processed correctly, can be used to create a natural dye for fabrics or paper, providing a sustainable alternative to synthetic dyes.
• Natural Potpourri: Dried flowers and leaves of the Night Butterfly Sage can be added to potpourri mixtures for a pleasant aroma in the home.
• Floral Arrangements: Fresh or dried, the vibrant flowers can be used in decorative floral arrangements to add color and interest.
• Photography: With its striking appearance, the Night Butterfly Sage can serve as an excellent subject for botanical photography.
• Education: The plant can be used in educational settings to teach about pollination, as it is attractive to bees and butterflies.
• Garden Design: Because of its dark foliage and deep purple flowers, it can be incorporated into landscape designs to create contrast with lighter-colored plants.
• Insect Habitat: Night Butterfly Sage can be included in insectary gardens to provide habitat and nectar sources for beneficial insects.
• Crafts: Leaves and flowers of the Night Butterfly Sage can be used to make creative crafts, such as pressed flower bookmarks or plant-based jewelry.
• Culinary Garnish: Although not commonly known for culinary use, the flowers can serve as an edible garnish to add a splash of color to dishes.
• Companion Planting: It may be used in companion planting to help deter pests due to its aromatic properties, which can mask the scent of more susceptible plants.

Feng Shui

The plant Sage is not used in Feng Shui practice.

Zodiac Sign Compitability

The plant Sage is not used in astrology practice.

Plant Symbolism

• Healing - Salvia, commonly known as Sage, is often associated with healing due to its long history of medicinal use.
• Wisdom - Sage has been symbolic of wisdom and knowledge, as its Latin name, "Salvia," is derived from the Latin word "salvere," meaning "to save" or "to heal."
• Protection - In various cultures, Sage is used in smudging ceremonies to purify and protect spaces from negative energies.
• Longevity - Due to its health-associated properties, Sage sometimes symbolizes a long and healthy life.
• Spirituality - It is frequently used in spiritual practices for its ability to connect the physical and spiritual realms and enhance intuition.