Leaves form thick rosettes at the ends of the stems, though leaves along the stem are fairly sparse. The 4-sided stems are typical of all members of the mint family. S. apiana's stems are sticky and as thick as leaves and petioles. Mature shrubs reach 2- to six feet in height. In some areas, especially in California, the shrubs cover the entire hillsides.
White sage is found with other sages and cross-pollinates to form many hybrid varieties.
White sage has a wide range of medicinal properties. Like all odoriferous sages, the leaves are powerful antiseptics, used for abrasions and a spectrum of skin inflammations, douches to treat Candida and staph infections, and sore throats, colds, and lung infections. Drunk hot, an infusion of the leaves stimulates perspiration, thus lowering fevers. Inhaling the steamed leaves broke up chest congestion. Drunk cold, all bodily secretions are inhibited, which gives rise to the herb's use in weaning babies from the breast.