Identification and Reproduction

Identification:

• Mediterranean sage, also known as African sage, is a perennial plant that can reach 90 cm tall. 
• Stems are square and covered in fine wooly hairs.  
• Rosette leaves are larger than stem leaves and are greyish-green. Rosettes can reach a diameter of 1.2 m wide.

• Flowering stems are very branched and do not develop until June-August.
• Leaves will decrease in size moving up the stem. They are aromatic (sage-like) when crushed.  
• Flowers are yellow to white and bilabiate. 

Reproduction: 

• Reproduces solely by seed. 
• A single plant can produce up to 100,000 seeds in a growing season. 
• Stalks will break up and blow as tumbleweeds, further dispersing seeds. 

Habitat & Ecology

• Commonly overtaking disturbed sites, fields, rangelands and more recently agronomic crop sites. 
• Has yet to be observed in Canada. 

Impacts

Social: 

• This plant is unpalatable to livestock and reduces foraging opportunities for livestock. 
• Contaminates alfalfa seed crops. 

Ecological: 

• Reduces native plant biodiversity. 

Management

Prevention is a high priority for this species. 

• Maintain good ground cover to slow the spread and prevent invasive establishment. 
• Learn to identify Mediterranean sage. 
• Report this plant if you think you have seen it. 

Resources

For more information check out the Invasive Species Extension on Salvia aethiopis, Mediterranean Sage. 

Header photo (Javier Pelayo).