Mediterranean Sage

Salvia aethiopis

WA A Lamiaceae
Data Maturity Baseline

Washington State Classification

Class A — Eradication Required Statewide

Mediterranean sage has the capability to invade and establish in dry pastures and rangeland throughout much of eastern Washington.

Quick Reference

Type
perennial herb
Origin
Europe and Asia

Identification

Growth Habit

It is an erect, coarse biennial, or short-lived perennial, with a stout taproot. When crushed, a sage-like odor is emitted. The mature plant can reach 3 feet tall. The overall plant is covered with dense, woolly hairs, especially when young.

Leaves

Basal leaves have irregular or indented margins.  They are 4 to 12 inches long and have petioles. Upper leaves are opposite, smaller and they clasp the stem. Uppermost leaves are reduced to bracts with long tapering points and are often tinged purple.

Flowers

Woolly clusters of four to six flowers are found in whorls at branch tips. Flowers are white to yellowish and about ½ inch long. Two upper petals form a lip resembling a hooked beak. 3 lower petals form 3 lobes, with outer lobes larger than the central.

Fruit & Seeds

Flowers form 4 nutlets, with each nutlet containing one seed.

Impact

Mediterranean sage has the capability to invade and establish in dry pastures and rangeland throughout much of eastern Washington. It is non-palatable and it will outcompete beneficial forage plants.

Ecology & Spread

Habitat

In its native range, it grows in dry soils and disturbed habitat. Outside of its native range, it prefers well drained soil and inhabits drained riparian areas and dry pastures. It will initially inhabit disturbed areas and then spread to other areas. Please click here to see a county level distribution map of Mediterranean sage in Washington.

Spread Mechanisms

seed wind

Reproduction

Mediterranean sage reproduces by seed and acts like a tumbleweed to disburse its seed by stalks breaking off and the plant being moved in the wind.

Regional Notes — Puget Sound

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Control Methods

Mechanical

  • Individual plants may be dug out. Mowing several times during the season will prevent seed production, but the rosettes are so low they escape damage. Mowing too late in the season will spread the seeds. Tillage is an option in accessible areas.

Biological Control

  • The Mediterranean sage root weevil, Phrydiuchus tau is a biological control agent that is used in Idaho and Montana. Since the eradication of Mediterranean sage is required in Washington, biological control is generally not a good management option here. For more information about biological control, please visit the WSU Extension Integrated Weed Control Project.