Sage – Clary
Salvia sclarea

Zone: 5-9
Height: 24-36"
Description:

General: Large, woolly, gray leaves with spikes of creamy-lilac to blue flowers that appear each spring. An ingredient used to make a type of Muscatel wine. Seeds have a sticky coating which was used to help treat eye problems.

Culinary Uses: The young tops of Clary can be used in soups and it gives a new lift to omelets and flavor to jellies. The leaves can also be chopped into salads. Fresh leaves pair surprisingly well with dairy products.

Medicinal Uses: The leaves can be used to make tea, ale, or beer which has been used for many "womanly" problems such as delayed or painful menstruation. Because of its estrogen stimulating action it has also been claimed to help menopause, particularly hot flashes. In addition to that the herb is an astringent that can be gargled, douched, and poured over skin wounds.

Ornamental Uses: The large leaves grow off a central stalk. The flowers are lilac or pale blue, pink, or white. The leaves are broad, oval or heart shaped and covered with fine, silver-white hairs.

Uses*: , , ,
*Research all plants before use. Silverleaf doesn't condone or endorse any medicinal plant use. Any one planning to use plants for medical purposes should check with a physician first.