Salvia plebeia
Family: Lamiaceae or Labiatae
What it is like
Salvia plebeia is a BIENNIAL growing to 0.5 m (1ft 8in). The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Bees. Suitable for: light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers moist or wet soil.
Height (m): 0.5
Where it is found
Wet places, especially by paddy fields, C. and S. Japan. Open moist ground at elevations of 100 - 1000 metres in Nepal.
E. Asia - China, Japan, Korea.
Conservation Status:
Countries/locations it is found in
How it is used
Food
Rating: 1
Leaves. No more details are given. Flowers. No more details are given. The seed is used as a condiment like mustard.
Condiment: the various plants that are used as flavourings, either as herbs, spices or condiments.
Medicine
Rating: 1
The plant is astringent, diuretic and vermifuge. A paste of the plant is applied to wounds between the toes caused by prolonged walking barefoot in muddy water. The seeds are used in the treatment of diarrhoea, gonorrhoea, menorrhagia and haemorrhoids.
Astringent: Produces contraction in living tissue, reducing the flow of secretions and discharges of blood, mucus, diarrhoea etc.
Diuretic: Acts on the kidneys, promoting the flow of urine.
Vermifuge: Expels and kills internal parasites.
Other
Rating:
How it is grown
We have very little information on this species and do not know if it will be hardy in Britain, though judging by its native range it should succeed outdoors in many parts of this country. The following notes are based on the general needs of the genus, but this species is likely to tolerate much wetter conditions if its native habitat is anything to go by. Requires a very well-drained light sandy soil in a sunny position. Prefers a rich soil. Plants can be killed by excessive winter wet. Members of this genus are rarely if ever troubled by browsing deer.
Propagating it: Seed - sow late spring in a greenhouse. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots when they are large enough to handle and plant them out in early summer.
Best place to grow: Bog Garden;
Habit: Biennial
Hardiness:
Growth:
Soil: Light (sandy), medium
Shade: No shade
Moisture: Moist, wet