Jupiter's Distaff Salvia glutinosa
ABOUT
The plant commonly referred to as Sticky Sage is known for its unique and attractive features. It bears heart-shaped leaves that have a distinct green color, often with a wrinkly texture, and they can be quite large and sticky to the touch, hence the name "Sticky Sage". Their stickiness is due to the presence of glandular hairs. During its blooming season, Sticky Sage showcases a series of flowers that are typically yellow, arranged in whorls along the upper part of the stems. The individual flowers exhibit an upper lip that is usually arched, while the lower lip may have a more spotted appearance, adding additional interest to the flower structure. These blossoms stand out against the foliage and can attract various pollinators to the garden. The plant itself has an upright growth habit with stems that can be quite robust and often square in cross-section—a characteristic common in the sage family.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Lamiaceae
Synonyms
Jupiter's Distaff, Sticky Sage
Common names
Horminum glutinosum, Salvia cordifolia, Salvia glutinosa var. cordifolia, Salvia grandiflora, Salvia villosa.
ToxicityTo humans
Salvia glutinosa, commonly known as Jupiter's Distaff, is not widely reported as a toxic plant to humans. There is little information suggesting that it has any significant toxic effects when touched or ingested. However, as with any plant, individual allergies or sensitivities might cause reactions in some people. If you suspect poisoning from any plant, it is essential to consult a healthcare professional promptly.
To pets
Salvia glutinosa, also known as Jupiter's Distaff, does not appear on common lists of plants toxic to pets such as dogs and cats. There is limited information about its toxicity to household pets, and it is not generally known to be a plant that causes significant health issues for animals if ingested. However, individual animals may have sensitivities, and it's always best to be cautious with plants around pets. If you believe your pet has eaten any part of this plant and is showing adverse symptoms, please contact your veterinarian immediately.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Yellow
Height
2 feet (60 cm)
Spread
2 feet (60 cm)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
5
Native area
Europe
Benefits
General Benefits- Attracts Pollinators: Salvia glutinosa is known for attracting bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects, aiding in pollination.
- Aesthetic Appeal: With its bright yellow flowers and sticky leaves, Jupiter's sage contributes to the visual beauty of gardens and natural landscapes.
- Drought Tolerance: Once established, it can tolerate periods of dryness, reducing the need for frequent watering.
- Low Maintenance: Jupiter's sage requires minimal care once it has settled in, making it a practical choice for gardeners.
- Culinary Use: Although not as commonly used as other sage varieties, it can be used for culinary purposes in some traditional European cuisines.
- Habitat Support: It provides food and habitat for various wildlife species, contributing to biodiversity.
- Erosion Control: The plant's root system can help stabilize soil and prevent erosion on slopes and banks.
- Herbal Tradition: While excluding direct medical properties, it has been a part of traditional herbal practices for various uses.
Medical Properties- Anti-inflammatory: Salvia glutinosa has been traditionally used for its potential to reduce inflammation.
- Antiseptic: The plant may possess antiseptic properties, making it useful for cleaning wounds or preventing infection.
- Astringent: The astringent quality can help to tighten tissues and reduce secretions.
- Carminative: It may have been used to relieve flatulence or colic.
- Diaphoretic: Salvia glutinosa could induce perspiration, which might have been used to reduce fevers.
- Gastroprotective: Some sources suggest it may help protect the gastric mucosa.
- Sedative: There may be mild sedative effects attributed to the plant, aiding in issues like insomnia or anxiety.
- Vulnerary: The plant is also considered to be helpful in healing wounds and sores.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Traditional Dye Source: Salvia glutinosa can be used to extract a natural dye for coloring fabrics, owing to its various pigmented components.
- Garden Ornamental: Due to its sticky leaves and bright yellow flowers, it serves as an attractive ornamental plant in gardens, adding a distinctive texture and color contrast.
- Companion Planting: It may benefit other plants by attracting beneficial insects due to its sticky surface, which can trap pests.
- Insect Repellent: The sticky leaves can naturally capture small insects, potentially reducing the number of pests in a garden setting.
- Craft Supplies: The sticky leaves can be used in crafting as a natural adhesive for small lightweight objects in projects, particularly in children’s educational activities.
- Photography Subject: The plant's unique appearance makes it a point of interest for botanical photographers.
- Education and Research: As an example of glandular-hairy flora, it can be used in botanical studies to understand plant-insect interactions.
- Theatre and Stage Deign: Its distinctly textured leaves might be used in stage design to replicate natural undergrowth or woodland scenes.
- Culinary Garnish: Although not commonly consumed, the bright flowers could be used as an edible garnish for special dishes, after ensuring they are safe and free of pests.
- Floral Arrangements: Sticky sage can be incorporated into floral arrangements for a unique element of texture and a splash of color.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe plant Salvia glutinosa is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe plant Salvia glutinosa is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Healing: Salvia glutinosa, commonly known as Jupiter's Distaff, is a variety of sage, which has been symbolically associated with healing due to the plant's medicinal properties.
- Wisdom: As with many types of sage, Jupiter's Distaff is often connected with wisdom. The Latin name 'Salvia' derives from 'salvus', meaning health or well-being, and is also related to knowledge.
- Immortality: Sage plants, in general, are sometimes connected to immortality owing to their preservative properties and historical use in embalming.
- Purity: Sage has historically been used in various cultures for purification rituals, suggesting that Jupiter's Distaff may also carry connotations of purity.
- Longevity: The hardiness and long life of many sage plants translate into a symbolic representation of longevity for Jupiter's Distaff.
- Protection: The aromatic qualities of sage, including that of Jupiter's Distaff, are often believed to ward off evil and offer protection.
WaterThe Sticky Sage should be watered regularly, ensuring the soil is consistently moist but not waterlogged. During growing seasons, which are spring and summer, water the plant approximately once every week, providing about 1 to 1.5 inches of water each time. It's crucial to adjust the watering frequency depending on weather conditions; more water may be necessary during hot, dry periods and less during cooler, rainy spells. In winter, reduce watering to every other week, or when the top layer of soil feels dry to touch. Always check the soil moisture at about an inch deep to gauge if more water is needed.
LightSticky Sage thrives in partial shade to full sun. It prefers a spot that receives morning sunlight and afternoon shade, or dappled sunlight throughout the day. Avoid placing Sticky Sage in locations with harsh, direct afternoon sun as it may stress the plant or cause leaf scorch. Ideal conditions are bright but indirect light that is consistent.
TemperatureSticky Sage fares well in a wide range of temperature conditions but grows best when the temperature is maintained between 60 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit. It can withstand temperatures as low as 20 degrees Fahrenheit, and up to about 85 degrees Fahrenheit. However, for optimal growth, maintaining a cool to moderate temperature range is ideal, avoiding extremes.
PruningPruning Sticky Sage is vital for maintaining plant health and encouraging bushier growth. Prune lightly in early spring to shape the plant and remove any dead or damaged growth. After blooming, cut back flower stems to encourage a second flush of blooms. The best time for a more thorough pruning is after the final flowering in late summer or early fall.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe best soil mix for Salvia glutinosa, commonly known as Sticky Sage, should be well-draining and rich in organic matter. A blend of two parts garden soil, one part compost or leaf mold, and one part sharp sand or perlite is suitable. The ideal soil pH for Sticky Sage should be slightly acidic to neutral, in the range of 6.0 to 7.0.
RepottingSticky Sage should be repotted every 2 to 3 years to refresh the soil and to accommodate root growth. It is best to repot in the spring when the plant is beginning to grow more actively.
Humidity & MistingSticky Sage prefers moderate to high humidity levels, making it suitable for growth in a garden environment where ambient humidity is generally adequate. Avoid placing it in very dry conditions.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place Sticky Sage near a window; water when soil feels dry.
Outdoor
Plant in partial shade, water regularly, and protect from harsh frost.
Hardiness zone
5-9 USDA
Life cycleSalvia glutinosa, commonly known as Jupiter's Distaff or Sticky Sage, initiates its life as a seed which, after dispersal, requires a period of cold stratification to germinate. Once the conditions are favorable in spring, the seed germinates, giving rise to a small seedling. As the seedling grows, it develops into a herbaceous plant with square stems typical of the Lamiaceae family, producing large, sticky, heart-shaped leaves. Throughout the summer, it produces bright yellow flowers in whorls, which are attractive to bees and other pollinators, leading to the pollination and subsequent seed development. After pollination, the plant sets seeds which are then dispersed by various means, including wind and animals. The plant is perennial, so while the above-ground part may die back in the winter, the root system survives to sprout again the following spring, continuing its life cycle.
PropogationPropogation time
Late spring
Salvia glutinosa, commonly known as Jupiter's Distaff or Sticky Sage, can be propagated effectively by seed or by cuttings; however, the most popular method is through seed propagation. This method is typically carried out in the spring after the danger of the last frost has passed. To propagate by seeds, a gardener should sow them thinly onto well-drained, lightly firmed soil in a sunny position or start them indoors in a seed-starting mix in a tray or pots. Seeds need to be barely covered with soil as they require light for germination, which usually occurs within two to three weeks at a temperature of approximately 70 degrees Fahrenheit (21 degrees Celsius). After the seedlings have developed their first set of true leaves and are large enough to handle, they should be transplanted into individual pots and grown on in cooler conditions until they are strong enough to be planted outside in their final positions.
