Wild English Clary
Salvia verbenaca

Family: Lamiaceae

What it is like

An erect herb. It keeps growing from year to year. It has a stout taproot. It grows 60-100 cm high. The leaves are oval and 10 cm long. The edges are wavy. The flowers are blue-violet. There are 6 almost in a ring. The outer ring of flower parts is tinged with purple and covered with hairs. The petals have an upper part with 2 lobes and a lower part with 3 lobes.

There are about 900 Salvia species.

Where it is found

It is a temperate plant. It will grow in most soils and positions. It is resistant to frost and sensitive to drought. In Argentina it grows from sea level to 2,500 m above sea level. It suits hardiness zone 5-10. Tasmania Herbarium.

Countries/locations it is found in

Africa, Algeria, Argentina, Australia, Balkans, Bosnia, Britain, Bulgaria, Chile, Croatia, Europe (country/location of origin), France, Greece, Israel, Italy, Libya, Mediterranean, Middle East, Morocco, Norfolk Island, North Africa, Portugal, South America, Spain, Syria, Tasmania, Turkey, Türkiye, Uruguay

How it is used for food

The leaves are used for salads and soups. They are also fried, candied and cooked in omelettes. The flowers are used to flavour salads.

It is sold in local markets.

Edible parts

Flowers, leaves

How it is grown

Plants are grown from seed.

Its other names

Local names

Bertonica, Elmakekigi, Gallocresta, Hormino silvestre, Khayyata, Khwiwita, Verbena Sage, Vervain, Wild Sage

Synonyms

Flipanta ovata Raf.; Gallitrichum anglicum Jord. & Fourr.; Salvia clandestina L.; Salvia multifida Sm.; and many others