Clary Sage
Salvia sclarea
Clary Sage is native to Eurasia and cultivated by harvesting its leaves for use as an herbal substitute for common Sage, as an aromatic oil used in medicine and as a flavoring for beverages.
Clary Sage is a biennial herb native to Eurasia. It has been cultivated in Britain for over four centuries and in American gardens for almost as long. The broad and handsome leaves, which literally sparkle in the light, were a source of an aromatic oil used in medicine, for flavoring soups and omelets, and as a substitute for common Sage. A traditional common name, "cleere eie" or "clear eye" referred to a belief in its vision-healing properties. Clary produces three to four foot flower stalk with pale-blue blossoms in loose, terminal spikes. Prefers a sunny site.
In Bloom at Monticello is made possible by support from The Richard D. and Carolyn W. Jacques Foundation.
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Heirloom Seeds and Plants from the Monticello collection
Plant history in your gardens with seeds and plants from Monticello and the Thomas Jefferson Center for Historic Plants.
