The common sage of herb gardens is S. officinalis, a strongly scented shrubby perennial, native from S Europe to Asia Minor. Prized since ancient times, common sage was thought to prolong life and to increase wisdom by strengthening the memory-whence the name. The ornamental sages are often popularly called salvia. Another species is S. carnosa, the purple sage of the western deserts.
Most sages are good honey plants.
Sage is classified in the division Magnoliophyta , class Magnoliopsida, order Lamiales, family Labiatae. Get quality answers at the right price. Listing from Electric Library , a pay service. Copyright 2001 Infonautics Corporation . All rights reserved.