Wild Clary

(Salvia verbenaca)

Wild Clary (Salvia verbenaca)

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Estimated Native Range
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Summary

Salvia verbenaca, commonly known as Wild Clary, is a perennial herb that can be evergreen or semi-deciduous depending on the climate. It is native to a variety of habitats including grasslands, open woodlands, and plains across Europe, North Africa, and West Asia. Wild Clary typically grows to a height of 30-60 cm (12-24 inches) with hairy stems and sprawling branches. The leaves are basal, toothed, and vary from 3 to 10 cm (1.2 to 3.9 in) long. From June to September, it produces soft purple to violet flowers that are highly attractive to bees and other pollinators. The flowers are showy and can be used ornamentally or added to salads for a pop of color.

Wild Clary is valued for its aromatic qualities and its ability to attract wildlife. It is used as a flavoring in foods and for making herbal teas. The plant’s midsummer flowering season and the seeds that ripen from July to October contribute to its ornamental appeal. In cultivation, it prefers full sun to part shade, well-drained soil, and moderate watering. It is relatively easy to maintain and can be used in border plantings, wildflower gardens, or as ground cover. However, it can be potentially invasive outside its native range, so gardeners should check local regulations before planting. Wild Clary has no major disease problems, but it can spread aggressively if conditions are favorable.CC BY-SA 4.0

Plant Description

  • Plant Type: Herb
  • Height: 1-1.8 feet
  • Width: 1.2-1.4 feet
  • Growth Rate: Moderate
  • Flower Color: Purple
  • Flowering Season: Summer
  • Leaf Retention: Evergreen

Growth Requirements

  • Sun: Full Sun
  • Water: Low, Medium
  • Drainage: Fast

Common Uses

Bee Garden, Bird Garden, Border Plant, Butterfly Garden, Deer Resistant, Drought Tolerant, Edible*Disclaimer: Easyscape's listed plant edibility is for informational use. Always verify the safety and proper identification of any plant before consumption., Fragrant, Groundcover, Hummingbird Garden, Low Maintenance, Potted Plant, Rabbit Resistant, Salt Tolerant, Showy Flowers

Natural Habitat

Native to grasslands, open woodlands, and plains across Europe, North Africa, and West Asia

Other Names

Common Names: Vervain Sage , Wild Sage , Eisenkraut-Salbei , Sauge Verveine , Kleinbloemige Salie , Fliksalvia

Scientific Names: Salvia verbenaca , Salvia verbenacea , Salvia cleistogama , Salvia clandestina , Salvia verbenaca var. vernalis , Salvia verbenaca subsp. clandestina , Salvia verbenaca subsp. controversa , Salvia horminoides , Salvia horminioides , Salvia multifida

GBIF Accepted Name: Salvia verbenaca L.