clary sage

plant

Also known as: Salvia sclarea

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Last updated

June 24, 2026

Quick Summary

Clary sage, scientifically known as Salvia sclarea, is an aromatic plant belonging to the mint family, Lamiaceae. Native to southern Europe, it is widely cultivated as an ornamental plant. This biennial herb features strong-smelling, hairy, heart-shaped leaves and produces white flowers, often with pinkish or violet-flushed bracts.12

Clary sage is also recognized for its essential oil, which has a scent reminiscent of ambergris and is used in perfumery. While its foliage can be used for flavoring, other Salvia species are more prominent for culinary uses, such as common sage (S. officinalis) and rosemary (S. rosmarinus). The Salvia genus is diverse, with many species grown as garden ornamentals, and some, like chia (Salvia hispanica), are cultivated for their edible seeds.32

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salvia
Major species
Clary sage (S. sclarea), whose foliage is also used for flavouring, is a taller biennial herb with strong-smelling, hairy, heart-shaped leaves. Its white flowers and leaflike bracts below them are pinkish or violet-flushed. All three species are native to southern Europe.
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Clary sage (S. sclarea), whose foliage is also used for flavouring, is a taller biennial herb with strong-smelling, hairy, heart-shaped leaves. Its white flowers and leaflike bracts below them are pinkish or violet-flushed. All three species are native to southern Europe.
Read More