Clary Sage
Salvia sclarea
Last updated
Washington State Classification
Class A — Eradication Required Statewide
Clary sage invades range land and poses a threat to forage production and plant biodiversity by displacing more desirable species.
Quick Reference
Identification
Growth Habit
Clary sage is a much-branched and upright biennial or perennial herb that can grow 6 feet tall. The entire plant is hairy and has a strong odor due to an essential oil.
Leaves
Leaves are oppositely arranged. Lower leaves have stalks (petioles) and upper leaves are smaller and have shorter stalks. Leaves have a wrinkled texture and have toothed to double toothed margins. Leaf blades up to 8 inches long.
Flowers
Many whorls of flowers occur on upper parts of stems. Each whorl has a pair of various colored bracts under it, bracts about 1/2 to 1 inch long. Flower petals fused to form two ‘lips’, upper lip is purple and lower lip is whitish, though colors may vary.
Fruit & Seeds
Flowers form 4 nutlets, with each nutlet containing one seed.
Impact
Clary sage invades range land and poses a threat to forage production and plant biodiversity by displacing more desirable species. Clary sage is a close relative of Mediterranean sage (Salvia aethiopis), another Class A noxious weed in Washington.
Ecology & Spread
Habitat
Clary sage can grow in eastern and western Washington. It grows on slopes (with Ponderosa pine in eastern WA), with well-drained soil, less well-drained meadow sites, roadsides and other disturbed places. Please click here to see a county level distribution map of clary sage in Washington.
Spread Mechanisms
Reproduction
Clary sage spreads by seed.
Control Methods
Mechanical
- Hand-pulling or digging can be effective, especially for small infestations. Be sure to dispose of plants properly and make sure all flowerheads go in the trash to prevent new infestations.
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