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Wood Sage

©Chris Lawrence

Wood sage

Despite having the familiar sage-green leaves, Wood sage has very little scent, so is not a good cooking herb. It can be found on acidic soils on sand dunes, heaths and cliffs, and along woodland rides.

Scientific name

Teucrium scorodonia

When to see

July to September

Species information

Statistics

Height: up to 40cm
Common.

About

Unlike other sages, Wood sage has very little scent, so has little value as a herb in cooking. It can be found on sand dunes, heaths and coastal cliffs, and along dry woodland rides, preferring acidic soils. Upright spikes of straw-coloured flowers can be seen from July to September and its plentiful seed provides food for many birds.

How to identify

In common with other sages, Wood sage has the familiar crinkly, sage-green leaves. Its yellowish flowers appear in pairs along long, leafless spikes.

Distribution

Widespread.

Did you know?

Bees, wasps, beetles and butterflies all feed from Wood sage; one beetle is even specific to it.