Is the ornamental plant edible or purely decorative?

The appearance of the ornamental sage

The ornamental sage is represented with many types. Some examples are

• the Steppe sage or flower sage with white bloom
• the steppe sage with blue-violet flowers
• the unpleasant smelling swamp sage
• the blood sage with fiery red flowers

All these ornamental sage species are worthy representatives in the perennial garden and create a pretty overall picture next to daisies or other half-high perennials. They are easy to care for, grow relatively bushy and some species can reach a height of up to one meter. The first flower panicles open in June, the entire flowering period extends into September. The perennial ornamental sage varieties lose their leaves in autumn.

Edible or not?

The ornamental sage is an eye-catcher in everyone Perennial bed, some varieties even spread a pleasant scent in the garden, but it is still not suitable for consumption. However, it is not poisonous and can therefore be safely planted in a garden where children are playing.

Ornamental sage is often offered under the name "flower sage" to immediately point out the difference to real sage. Although the plant is inedible for humans, the flower nectar of the ornamental sage is a valuable source of food for bees, Bumblebees and other insects.
If you want to cook with sage or prepare health teas, you have to use the real sage, bot. Salvia officinalis, select.

Real sage

In contrast to ornamental sage, the real sage is evergreen. Although some leaves dry up in winter, most of the leaves remain. Salvia officinalis is a medicinal plant known from ancient times. It is still used today for sage tea and is used in the kitchen as a spice for roasts and stews.
The real sage is grown in many gardens, but it also thrives in pots on the windowsill. Its flower resembles that of the ornamental sage, as it also forms long, delicate purple flower panicles. The velvety, finely hairy leaves can be dried for tea preparation.