Mediterranean sage
(Salvia aethiopis)
This species is Introduced in the United States
Native Range
Europe and western Asia
Appearance
Mediterranean sage is an aromatic forb that grows as a biennial or short-lived perennial from a stout taproot. Plants develop rosettes the first year and typically bolt the second year, growing 1–3 ft (30–90 cm) tall with square stems. Rosette leaves are grayish-green, 4–12 in (10–30 cm) long, triangular, and have jagged margins. Stem leaves are opposite and decrease in size going up the stem. The branching inflorescences often resemble candelabras in shape. Each flower is ½–1 in (1–2½ cm) long and has five whitish petals distinctly fused into two lips. Each flower produces four smooth, brown nutlets.
Impact
Mediterranean sage competes with other plants for limited resources, displacing more desirable species. It is unpalatable to livestock and is especially problematic in overgrazed areas, where it reduces range and pasture production. It’s been estimated that in Oregon alone, this species could result in $1.13 million losses in annual rangeland production if allowed to spread.
Reference
Andreas, J.E., J. Price, and E.M. Coombs. 2022. Mediterranean sage (Salvia aethiopis): History and Ecology in North America. In: R.L. Winston, Ed. Biological Control of Weeds in North America. North American Invasive Species Management Association, Milwaukee, WI. NAISMA-BCW-2022-5-MEDITERRANEAN SAGE-P. https://bugwoodcloud.org/resource/files/23224.pdf
Selected Images
Maps
EDDMapS Distribution - This map is incomplete and is based only on current site and county level reports made by experts, herbaria, and literature. For more information, visit www.eddmaps.org
State Lists - This map identifies those states that have this species on their invasive species list or law.
Invasive Listing Sources
- California Invasive Plant Council
- California Noxious Weeds
- Colorado Noxious Weeds
- Idaho Noxious Weeds
- Jil M. Swearingen, Survey of invasive plants occurring on National Park Service lands, 2000-2007
- John Randall, The Nature Conservancy, Survey of TNC Preserves, 1995.
- Nevada EDRR
- Nevada Noxious Weeds
- New Invaders of the Northwest
- Oregon Noxious Weeds
- Pacific Northwest Exotic Pest Plant Council, 1998
- Utah Noxious Weeds - Early Detection Rapid Response Watch List
- Washington Noxious Weeds
- WeedUS - Database of Plants Invading Natural Areas in the United States
Taxonomic Rank
| Domain: Eukarya |
| Kingdom: Plantae |
| Phylum: Magnoliophyta |
| Class: Magnoliopsida |
| Superorder: Asteranae |
| Order: Lamiales |
| Family: Lamiaceae |
| Genus: Salvia |
| Salvia aethiopis |
References
Common Name Reference: USDA, NRCS. 2010. The PLANTS Database. National Plant Data Center, Baton Rouge, LA, USA.
Scientific Name Reference: USDA, NRCS. 2010. The PLANTS Database. National Plant Data Center, Baton Rouge, LA, USA.