Sage
Family Labiatae (or Lamiaceae)
Salvia officinalis, sage (S. officinalis 1), is a low-growing shrub, 30-40 cm high, with stalked lanceolate to ovate entire simple leaves, greyish-green and hairy, and with a wrinkled surface The pink or lilac flowers are borne in whorls.
Distribution and use
Sage is a native of southern Europe. It is a well known culinary herb (S. officinalis 2) with a strong flavour. Most of it is sold as dried sage. It also yields an essential oil, which is used in meat-products, sweets, chewing-gum and perfumes.