Organic White Sage
Description
Organic White Sage-herb
Common Name(s)White sage, California white sage, sacred white sage, grandfather sage, bee sage, buffalo sage, and a number of traditional tribal names
Scientific Name Salvia apiana Family Lamiaceae Origin Southern California and parts of northern Mexico Height Up to 6’ tall, can spread almost as wide but typically 3-4’ wideLightFull sun, no shade Water Extremely drought-tolerant. Established plants need minimal to no water.
Temperature Warm weather conditions preferred. Does not like temperatures below freezing, does poorly below 25 degrees Fahrenheit.Humidity Can tolerate humidity but may have disease issues Soil Sandy, extremely well-draining soil Fertilizer No fertilizer required. Likes low-nutrient conditions
Salvia apiana. White Sage this is the sacred sage that is bundled and burned as smudge to purify places and things. Its high oil content makes it extremely aromatic, and it is thought to have powerful antibacterial properties, among a host of other medicinal uses.
White sage was traditionally used for ceremonial or medicinal purposes. The most well-known of these uses is burning it to release its fragrant smoke. While the term “smudging” is often applied to this process, the origin of that term actually comes from medieval Europe. A more accurate term would be smoke cleansing.
The smoke produced was used to purify or cleanse objects by fanning it across the object. It was also used similarly to purify or cleanse people in a similar fashion. Tribal spiritual leaders might have special fans or feathers which they would use for this purpose, depending on the specific tribe’s religious views.
While it is easiest and most common to bundle the leaves and stems together and dry them for this purpose, they can also be burned individually. Crumbled or powdered leaves can be burned as a powdered incense too.
The smoke is used in many other traditional ceremonies. Ohlone people use it as part of the preparation for and during their bear dance, for example. The Cahuilla bird singers often use it before they sing the traditional songs. It is an integral part of many Californian tribal religions. Uses like these tend to be overshadowed in the public eye by the popularity of smudging with white sage for its cleansing purpose.
All my seed come in reusable zip lock bags and planting instructions
please note if you order more than one they will be shipped in one package unless otherwise requested