Jerusalem sage

plant

Also known as: Phlomis tuberosa

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Last updated

June 29, 2026

Quick Summary

Jerusalem sage refers to plants in the genus Phlomis, which are often cultivated for their dense whorls of purple flowers. These plants belong to the mint family, Lamiaceae, a large family of flowering plants distributed worldwide, known for their fragrant leaves and attractive flowers. Many Lamiaceae species are valuable for their culinary, fragrant, or medicinal properties.12

While the common culinary herb "sage" is Salvia officinalis, also in the Lamiaceae family, Jerusalem sage specifically denotes plants within the Phlomis genus. These plants can grow quite tall, with P. tuberosa reaching nearly 2 meters (6.5 feet).132

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Lamiaceae
Major genera and species
…of the genus Phlomis is Jerusalem sage (P. tuberosa), which rises to almost 2 metres (6.5 feet) and has clusters of purple flowers. It is native to Eurasia and is naturalized in North America. One of the 40 species of the African genus Leonotis, klip dagga, or lion’s ear (L.…
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…of the genus Phlomis is Jerusalem sage (P. tuberosa), which rises to almost 2 metres (6.5 feet) and has clusters of purple flowers. It is native to Eurasia and is naturalized in North America. One of the 40 species of the African genus Leonotis, klip dagga, or lion’s ear (L.…
Read More