Russian sage has a long history of use in traditional medicine, and is smoked as a euphoriant.
What can I do with Russian sage flowers?
The almost shrub-like habit of Russian Sage gives it a unique presence in the landscape. Use it to create a backdrop for other traditional garden flowers to grow through it in garden beds, or to stand as a hedge or small shrub in its own right, providing an airy texture and cottagey feel to heavier plantings.
Is Russian sage a drug?
Salvia divinorum (also known as sage of the diviners, ska maría pastora, seer’s sage, yerba de la pastora or simply salvia) is a plant species with transient psychoactive properties when its leaves are consumed by chewing, smoking or as a tea.
Does Russian sage have medicinal uses?
Russian Sage
Steep sage leaves in hot water for 15-30 minutes to create a medicinal tea that can help relieve stomach pain and indigestion. Tea made from Russian sage can also help break a fever. Herbalists recommend letting the tea cool, then soaking it up with a towel and using it as a compress for the forehead.
What part of Russian sage is edible?
However, according to the “Plants for a Future Database”, Russian sage is listed as edible, as the “small lavender flowers have a sweet flavour and can be eaten in salads or used as a garnish.” I have not tried the flowers but they sound they could be a fun addition to summer salads.
Can you eat Russian sage flowers?
Although Russian sage is not grouped with the culinary sages, some people do use the plant in foods. The flowers are both edible and ornamental, making them a possible edible decoration for salads and desserts.
Is Russian sage the same as lavender?
No, these beautiful flowers that you see in this photo are not lavender. This plant is called Perovskia Atriplicifolia, commonly known as Russian Sage and occasionally Lavender of Afghanistan. Not only is its second name the same as our favorite flower, these two plants are part of the same family and look alike.
Is Russian sage harmful?
Is Russian sage edible? Although the leaves may smell like those of culinary garden sage (Salvia officinalis), Russian sage is technically not a sage. The aromatic leaves emit a light herbal scent when crushed, and as noted above, are toxic if consumed. However, they can be dried and used in potpourris.
How do I use dried Russian sage?
Once dry, you can easily incorporate Russian sage into wreaths and other dry flower arrangements. I also have a bouquet dry Russian Sage sitting in a windowless bathroom. The bluish purple color adds a nice punch of color through winter when I won’t have fresh flowers to add.
Why is it called Russian sage?
Russian sage produces small blue flowers on long spikes. The genus was named by the Russian botanist Karelin about 1840 after B. A. Perovski, the Turkestani governor of the Russian province of Orenburg – but the plant is not native to Russia or a sage (Salvia).
What does Russian sage repel?
mosquitoes
Both Russian Sage and Lemon Verbena are known for cooking, but they have distinct smells that keep mosquitoes away. Lavender is also popular, especially for indoors, but Gaskins said it also serves as a repellent.
What bugs do Russian sage attract?
Russian Sage – This is an indispensable plant for the hot sunny border because it attracts beneficial bees but offers nothing to browsing bug pests.
What does Russian sage smell like?
In addition to its blossoms, Russian sage has beautiful silver-green foliage. Leaf edges may have a serrated or wavy edge. All parts of Russian sage are quite fragrant when rubbed or crushed. Some people describe it as a sage-like smell, sometimes mixed with lavender scents as well.
Is Russian sage toxic to dogs?
Russian Sage (Perovskia atriplicifolia).
Purple and pretty, Russian Sage is a great fall plant, and considered nontoxic to pets.
Does Russian sage cause allergies?
With very low amounts of pollen but high amounts of nectar, Russian sage is a great addition to any allergy friendly pollinator garden.
Can you plant Russian sage and lavender together?
Russian sage attracts butterflies and bees and is dramatic as an unsung cut flower. Combines perfectly with other low water plants like lavender, sedum, and ornamental grasses, even pairs nicely with bold leafed succulents like large agaves and aloes.
Should Russian sage be cut back in the fall?
Is it best to cut Russian sage back in fall or spring? Wait until late winter or early spring to cut back Russian sage, butterfly bush and pest-free perennials. Research has found letting these plants stand for winter increases their hardiness.
Which is better lavender or Russian sage?
But Russian sage can handle more water (and lavender thrives in poor soil) Lavender can’t stand much water. Russian sage, however, can grow in dry-to-medium soil. And while both plants can deal with less-than-ideal soil conditions, for lavender, the poorer the quality of the soil (even sand), the better.
Does Russian sage attract bees?
Russian sage: Honey bees, small carpenter bees and leafcutting bees collect the nectar of this perennial garden plant. The nectar also attracts hummingbirds.
Is Russian sage easy to grow?
Russian sage is easy to grow and cold hardy to USDA zones 5 to 9. It grows best in warm climates and tolerates clay or average soils, as long as the drainage is good, but they need full sun to produce lots of flowers and sturdy stems that won’t flop over as they grow taller.
Is sage poisonous to humans?
Sage is considered safe with no reported side effects ( 46 ). However, some people are concerned about thujone, a compound found in common sage. Animal research has found that high doses of thujone may be toxic to the brain ( 47 ). That said, there is no good evidence that thujone is toxic to humans ( 48 ).