Mother Nature's Backyard - A Water-wise Garden: native medicinal plant

Showing posts with label native medicinal plant. Show all posts

Thursday, February 28, 2019

Plant of the Month (February) : Western Chokecherry – Prunus viginiana

Western Chokecherry (Prunus virginiana var. demissa):
Mother Nature's Garden of Health

It’s difficult to conjure up a February-appropriate plant that we haven’t previously profiled. But one that’s getting to a reasonable size is the Western chokecherry, Prunus virginiana var. demissa, in Mother Nature’s Garden of Health. The scientific name is pronounced: PROO-nus ver-jin-ee-AN-uh dee-MISS-uh.

Prunus virginiana is native to North America. It once grew wild in much of Canada, the United States and northern Mexico. There are two recognized varieties: Prunus virginiana var. virginiana (the eastern chokecherry, native to the eastern US and Canada); and Prunus virginiana var. demissa (the western chokecherry, native from WA, OR and CA east to the Rockies and Mid-West).

In California, Western chokecherry grows in many wooded and shrubby habitats from San Diego County to the Oregon border, at elevations below about 8000-10,000 ft. (2500 m.). It’s not native to either the Southern California coast or the Central Valley, and grows mostly in areas with winter snow, or near seeps and stream bottoms. In Los Angeles County, it can still be seen in the Liebre and San Gabriel Mountains – and in gardens. It grows in most foothill and mountain plant communities, especially scrub lands, oak/pine woodlands and coniferous forests.

Western Chokecherry (Prunus virginiana var. demissa):
Four year old plant

Prunus virginiana is a large shrub or small tree. It varies greatly in size and form, sometimes appearing as a 3-4 ft. shrub. In other sites, it can achieve mature heights of 20-30 ft. (6-9 meters). Its mature spread can be 15-20 ft. The overall form is erect, with many slender branches. The bark is reddish on new growth, becoming gray. Some plants are shrub-like, with much branching from the base. Others are more tree-like, with a central leader. In some situations, Chokecherries form dense thickets. This characteristic makes them particularly suitable for hedgerows and screens. For more photos of Chokecherry plants see reference 1, below.

Western Chokecherry (Prunus virginiana var. demissa): leaves

Chokecherries are winter-deciduous, losing all their leaves in late fall in colder climates. In cold climates, leaves turn an attractive gold or orange in fall, making them a good source of fall color. In warmer sites (like Mother Nature’s Garden of Health), plants may retain their leaves well into winter in some years. The leaves are simple, ovate to elliptical, with finely-toothed margins. The new leaves are bright green in spring, maturing to medium or dark green above and slightly paler green beneath. The leaves contrast pleasantly with the bark, which is smooth and dark red on younger twigs and often gray on mature branches. The foliage is a larval food source for Small-eyed Sphinx Moth & Columbia Silk Moth.

Like many members of the genus Prunus, parts of the plant are toxic. New growth, wilted leaves, or plant parts injured by frost or drought are particularly harmful if ingested by humans or animals. Domestic cattle and sheep have been poisoned eating too much foliage. Despite this, Chokecherries are widely used as a forage plant in wild. Animals as varied as bears, moose, coyotes, bighorn sheep, pronghorn, elk, deer and smaller mammals all browse Chokecherry.

Western Chokecherry (Prunus virginiana var. demissa): Flowers
photo by Mary Winter, Cal Photos

Chokecherry flowers have many characteristics typical of the genus Prunus. The flowers themselves are small, white to cream-colored, with five simple petals (flower parts in fives). The flowers are arranged along drooping, 2-5 inch flowering stalks, and may be densely packed. Plants are very showy in bloom, and the species is often used as an ornamental shrub/tree in home landscapes. The flowers are sweetly scented – with a slight hint of almond – and attract a wide range of pollinators, including native bees and butterflies.

Western Chokecherry (Prunus virginiana var. demissa): ripe fruits

Chokecherry is probably best known for its fruits. The fruits are small (1/4 to ½ inch), shiny ‘cherries’ that begin green, then ripen to either red, dark-red or almost black (Four Corners States; Rockies). Even when ripe, the raw fruits are very bitter, hence the common name ‘Chokecherry’. None-the-less, birds and animals relish the fruits. If you grow Chokecherry for its fruit, you may need to protect the ripe fruits from hungry birds!

The seeds (pits) contain high concentrations of hydrogen cyanide, a potent poison. Fruits should not be eaten raw; however they can be cooked to render the fruit non-toxic, particularly when the seeds (pits) are removed after cooking. Chokecherry jelly and syrup are highly prized for their color and cherry flavor. They are one of the favorites at garden gourmet events in our gardens.

Western Chokecherry (Prunus virginiana var. demissa): jelly

Chokecherries can be grown in all but the heaviest clay soils. They don’t do well in soils with pH > about 7.8. They are shade tolerant and do well in part-shade and under trees. While they can be grown in full sun (with adequate water), they are probably most successful when given afternoon shade in Southern California. Chokecherries like a richer soil than many of our local natives. Organic mulch can be used to supply nutrients – or fertilize with a low-dose fertilizer in spring.

Chokecherries also need some summer water. They have some deep roots, but also many shallow roots. In the lowlands of Southern California, they likely will need water every 2-3 weeks from June through September. We water our Prunus virginiana every other week in Mother Nature’s Garden of Health. The soil dries out between waterings in our clay-loam soil. We’ve also located our plant on the north side of a tall wall, providing more shade than in most of our garden.

Western Chokecherry (Prunus virginiana var. demissa)

Like most Prunus (plums, cherries, peaches, nectarines, apricots, almonds) Prunus virginiana is susceptible to black knot fungus, fireblight, and several other diseases. In general – and with judicious watering – it is healthier then the domesticated Prunus. But keep an eye out for disease, and prune out diseased wood right away (using sterile pruners). Western chokecherry has a pleasant natural shape. Unless you’re training your Chokecherry to a tree or espalier it won’t need much pruning. But you will need to prune off the root suckers, which can be common in this species.

If you’re in the market for a large shrub/small tree Prunus virginiana has much to recommend it. It can be used in a mixed hedgerow or pruned up as a shade tree. In our garden, we are espaliering our Chokecherry along a wall (most Prunus are good candidates for espalier). The foliage is pleasant and the flowers are showy and fragrant. The fruits can be used to make delectable jelly, syrup, fruit leathers, cordials and wine – or left as habitat for fruit-eating birds.

Western Chokecherry (Prunus virginiana var. demissa):
Rancho Santa Ana Botanic Garden, Claremont, CA

Traditional medicine used tea made from the bark for stomach ailments, coughs, colds and diarrhea, and as a sedative. The ‘tea’, as well as a poultice made from the leaves, was used to treat cuts, sores, bruises. Dried, powdered bark was used similarly. The ripe fruit is a laxative. And leaves, bark and fruits can be used as natural dyes.

In short, Western Chokecherry is an attractive shrub/tree with many uses. It’s one of those native plants that provides lots of value for its cost – and the space it takes in a garden. If you need a large shrub or small tree, Prunus virginiana may be right for your garden.

Western Chokecherry (Prunus virginiana var. demissa):
in garden, Montrose CO

https://calphotos.berkeley.edu/cgi/img_query?where-genre=Plant&where-taxon=Prunus+virginiana+var.+demissa

For a gardening information sheet see: http://www.slideshare.net/cvadheim/prunus-virginiana

For plant information sheets on other native plants see: http://nativeplantscsudh.blogspot.com/p/gallery-of-native-plants_17.html

We welcome your comments (below). You can also send your questions to: mothernaturesbackyard10@gmail.com

Saturday, December 29, 2018

Plant of the Month (December) : California Scrub Oak – Quercus berberidifolia

California scrub oak (Quercus berberidifolia): Mother Nature's Garden of Health,
Gardena, California

Limited gardening space requires thoughtful plant choices. Good plants for smaller gardens combine beauty, usefulness and habitat value; what we like to think of as ‘value added’ plants. Some of the best evergreen habitat plants are the native live oaks. They are also attractive and provide food (for those willing to process the acorns). And fortunately, several local live oaks are small enough to be considered for suburban gardens. One of our favorites is Quercus berberidifolia. The scientific name is pronounced: KWER-kus ber-ber-id-i-FO-lee-uh.

California is blessed with twenty-one species of native oaks. Of these, sixteen are native to Los Angeles County – a remarkable amount of oak biodiversity. The Southern California oaks are mostly evergreen (thirteen of sixteen species). And of the evergreens, only five (Quercus agrifolia; Q. chrysolepis; Q. engelmannii; Q. tomentella; Q. wislizeni) are large trees. The rest are large shrubs or small trees, of a size suitable for smaller landscapes.

California scrub oak (Quercus berberidifolia) vs. Nattall's scrub oak Quercus dumosa)

Among the smaller S. California live oaks, Quercus berberidifolia and Quercus dumosa (Nuttall’s scrub oak) are most widely available in the nursery trade. Like most oaks, the scrub oaks of California are prone to hybridization, producing a number of hybrid forms. It’s likely that some plants available for purchase are actually hybrids. And there’s still considerable debate about the range and characteristic morphology of these two species. The interested reader is directed to references 1-6, below, for more on this evolving topic.

Quercus berberidifolia is known by several common names: Inland Scrub Oak; California scrub oak; Scrub oak. It belongs to the Family Fagaceae (the Beech Family) and is a member of the White Oak section of the genus Quercus. Its range extends from the Northern California coastal foothills to Baja California, Mexico. In Los Angeles County, it can be found in the Santa Monica and Verdugo Mountains and the foothills of the San Gabriel Range, below about 5000 ft. elevation. It is most commonly associated with the chaparral plant community.

California scrub oak (Quercus berberidifolia):
3 years in ground

California scrub oak (Quercus berberidifolia):
4 years in ground

The California scrub oak is a small, evergreen or semi-evergreen shrubby oak. When young, it has a somewhat scraggly appearance (above). With age, it develops its characteristic mounded form. It typically grows no taller than about 9-10 ft. (to 3 meters), but may grow 15+ ft. in prime locations. It often is slightly wider than tall: usually 15-20+ ft. wide. It has light green-gray to gray, smooth bark. The foliage is dense, making this a good screening shrub. The reader is directed to references 7-9, below, for more photos.

Quercus berberidifolia is a slow growing plant, adding 1-2 ft. of new growth each year. It’s also long-lived in the wilds – likely several hundred years. It’s often difficult to tell the precise age of oaks that grow in fire-prone areas. Like many local oaks, Quercus berberidifolia re-sprouts after a fire. So the age of individual stems may be significantly less than the actual age of the plant. For more on the fire-relations of this species, see reference 10.

California scrub oak (Quercus berberidifolia): foliage

Quercus berberidifolia has small, often holly-like leaves – hence the scientific name. The leaves are thick, stiff and shiny to dull above. The undersides of the leaves have sparse hairs (trichomes). The shape of leaves can vary tremendously, even on a single plant (see references 9 and 11 for examples).

Like all oaks, Quercus berberidifolia is wind pollinated. The separate male and female flowers occur on the same tree. Plants bloom in winter or early spring – usually February or March at lower elevations. The male flowers, with their yellow pollen, grow on dangling, one-inch catkins. The pollen is not usually a problem for human allergy sufferers. The female flowers are often hidden by leaves. The acorns, which develop from the female flowers, are broad and chunky. They look distinctively different from the longer, tapered acorns of the Coast live oak (Quercus agrifolia) and Quercus dumosa. Acorns ripen 6-8 months after pollination. New seedlings can be started quite easily from fresh acorns in the fall.

California scrub oak (Quercus berberidifolia): sunny site

California scrub oak likes a site with full sun to part-shade. It grows in most well-drained local soils except those with high salinity (no recycled water). It can succeed in clays and clay-loams, as long as summer water is kept to a minimum. In soils with reasonable drainage, it can be deeply watered every 4-6 weeks during the dry season. The first 4-5 years, when plants are establishing, they require monthly water in most locales. Then plants are quite drought tolerant. This species has deep roots that require a few years to develop.

It’s best to let oak trees self-mulch, and Quercus berberidifolia is no exception. Oak leaves help with soil moisture retention. They also contain plant chemicals that likely provide protection from pests and diseases. The leaves also repel slugs, snails and grubs. So, leave the leaves in place when they fall.

California scrub oak is generally easy to grow. It is susceptible to several oak pests, including several types of borers, and to soil and other fungal diseases. For an excellent guide to the pests and diseases of California oaks see reference 12.

Scrub jays and others love acorns!

The California scrub oak is an excellent habitat plant. The dense foliage provides cover and nesting sites for birds. The shade and cover are utilized by smaller, ground dwelling animals from rabbits to lizards and doves. The acorns are a favorite food of Jays, woodpeckers, squirrels and other animals. In the wilds, young foliage is sometimes browsed by larger animals (deer, sheep, bears).

Oaks in general provide important habitat for a wide range of beneficial insects. These, in turn, attract the insect-eating birds. Butterflies for which this oak provides larval food include the California Sister, Propertius Duskywing, Mournful Duskywing, Golden Hairstreak, and Gold-Hunter's Hairstreak.

California scrub oak (Quercus berberidifolia): habitat
for Duskywing butterflies

The acorns of Quercus berberidifolia are edible, though not as tasty as those of other native oaks, particularly the Black oaks. Acorns must be leached of their bitter tannins – an involved process – before being useful as acorn meal. The galls that grow on oak trees are strongly astringent and were traditionally used in the treatment of bleeding and chronic diarrhea.

California scrub oak (Quercus berberidifolia)

In summary, native scrub oaks can be useful evergreen shrubs or small trees in suburban landscapes. They can be used as background shrubs, for large hedges/hedgerows or pruned up as small shade trees. They grow well on slopes, with a minimum of care once established. They can be planted in dry parking strips and can even be used as bonsai or container plants. They can be shaped or left to develop their own natural form. They are resilient and water-wise.

Oaks also have much to recommend them as representatives of our California heritage. They bring many types of wildlife to the garden and even provide a source of human food. They recall a time when oaks were key to human survival. They are among our most important native plants and their habitat is disappearing in some areas. That’s why Los Angeles County oaks are protected by The Los Angeles County Oak Tree Ordinance. And these are just a few reasons to plant Quercus berberidifolia in your own garden.

California scrub oak (Quercus berberidifolia): part of mixed hedgerow,
Mother Nature's Garden of Health

For a gardening information sheet see: https://www.slideshare.net/cvadheim/gardening-sheet-quercus-berberidifolia-126900433

For plant information sheets on other native plants see: http://nativeplantscsudh.blogspot.com/p/gallery-of-native-plants_17.html

____________________

We welcome your comments (below). You can also send your questions to: mothernaturesbackyard10@gmail.com

Sunday, August 5, 2018

Plant of the Month (August) : Island alumroot – Heuchera maxima

Island alumroot (Heuchera maxima)

Sitting in the shade on a hot summer’s day allows us to really experience our native shade-loving species. Many are pretty and have unusual foliage, adding to their allure. One plant that’s been a shade garden staple for many years is the Island alumroot, Heuchera maxima. The scientific name is most commonly pronounced HER (or HOY)-ker-uh MAX-im-uh.

The Heucheras are an interesting group of herbaceous perennials in the Saxifrage Family (the Saxifragaceae). Members of this family generally grow in moist shady places; they are often used similarly in gardens. Among the California saxifrages are the Boykinias, Heucheras, Jepsonias, Lithophragmas, Micranthas, Suksdorfias, Tellimas and Tolmieas. Of these, the genus with the most species is Heuchera.

The Saxifrages share a number of common features. Most have rounded or heart-shaped leaves that grow in a mound at the base of the plant (a basal rosette). Most are perennials, dying back to a stout root in winter. The flowers grow in stalks above the leaves. Some have medicinal properties, and have been so used. And most grow in forests or riparian areas, often in shade.

Thirteen species of Heuchera are native to California. They belong to three groups: those that are primarily coastal, those from far northern California, and those from the mountains (including the Transverse and Laguna Ranges of S. California). Many Heuchera species have very limited ranges, and several are listed as endangered. We featured the Seaside alumroot in May: http://mother-natures-backyard.blogspot.com/2018/05/plant-of-month-may-seaside-alumroot.html

Heuchera maxima is one of the coastal species. It’s native to the Northern Channel Islands, off the coast of Santa Barbara. In the wilds, it grows in moist, shady, north-facing sites, often in canyons or on ocean cliffs. Island alumroot is a member of the chaparral plant community; it always grows at elevations less than 1500 ft. (500 m.) in nature. Fortunately, it’s available to California gardeners and widely used in gardens in warmer climates (USDA Zones 8-10).

Island alumroot (Heuchera maxima): foliage

All the Heucheras have pretty, rounded leaves and Heuchera maxima is no exception. Its leaves are slightly succulent, lobed, with scalloped edges. The leaf color is green, but may be mottled or two-tone. The entire plant is slightly hairy. Leaves have long petioles and are tightly clumped in a basal rosette. With a little water, the entire plant appears neat and tidy much of the year.

Island alumroot (Heuchera maxima): plant

Heuchera maxima begins to bloom in spring and can bloom off-and-on through summer with a little water. The blooms of Island alumroot are small, bell-shaped flowers on slender, upright flowering stems. The flowers of this species are white to pale pink and are clustered at the tips of side branches on the stem. The flowers are less densely packed than those of the Seaside alumroot.

Island alumroot (Heuchera maxima): close-up of flowers

Several well-known, named Heuchera hybrids share the foliage characteristics of Heuchera maxima and the brighter flowers of the Arizona native Heuchera sanguinea. Hybrids between H. maxima and H. sanguinea range in color from white/pale pink to bright pink or magenta, and are very showy. Hybrid cultivars include 'Genevieve' (rose-magenta), 'Opal' (white), 'Santa Ana Cardinal' (large red), 'Susanna' (red), and 'Wendy' (pink), all developed at the Rancho Santa Ana Botanic Garden, Claremont CA. We feature ‘Wendy’ in Mother Nature’s Garden of Health.

Island alumroot (Heuchera maxima): hybrid cultivar 'Wendy'

The Heucheras are loved for their ability to tolerate (even need) a shady location. In nature, this species grows primarily in moist, shady canyons. In the garden it does best with afternoon shade, under trees or on the north side of walls or buildings. We’ve grown it in clay soils; it can succeed in all but the poorest-draining soils. It looks good with a yearly application of a light (1/2 strength) fertilizer, particularly in sandy soils.

In dry climates like S. California, Heuchera maxima needs regular irrigation for the first year, until the plant is established. Then water two to four times a month for best appearance. Plants are actually quite drought tolerant (much more so than the eastern Heucheras) – but they need a little water to look good. We water our alumroots every two weeks from June to August in our clay-loam soils. Then we taper off water in September. To conserve water, we recommend using a 1-inch thick organic mulch around Heucheras. Keep the area under the plants mulch-free to discourage fungal infections of the stems and leaves.

Island alumroot (Heuchera maxima): seed capsules

Heucheras don’t need much in the way of maintenance. Cut off spent flower stalks for tidiness and to promote a longer bloom season. Remove old, dead leaves in the fall. If you’ve planted several plants, you may be able to collect seeds from the dry capsules and start some new plants. And divide plants as needed, usually every 4-5 years. When plants become crowded and blooming decreases, then it’s time to divide. Division is best done in early spring.

So, why plant Heuchera maxima and its cultivars? First, these are charming, old-fashioned perennials, with a long history of use in gardens. Most people have no idea they are California native plants; they look that ‘garden-like’. Their tidy appearance and low maintenance make them a good choice for many gardens – including front yards. They look equally appropriate in both traditional and contemporary garden designs.

Island alumroot (Heuchera maxima): Ranch Santa Ana
Botanic Garden, Claremont CA

Heucheras are the perfect solution for shady parts of the garden. They provide a natural, woodsy element favored by many gardeners. They can be used as a ground cover (above) or to border shady pathways or flower beds. With limited water, they can even be used under native oaks.

Heuchera’s small size makes them a good choice for narrow planting areas. Heucheras can even be grown in deep containers (they have a tap root) on a shady patio. They are favorites of hummingbirds. Plant some near a garden bench; you’ll be rewarded by steady visits from these jewels of the air. The flower stalks also make a pretty addition to floral arrangements.

Island alumroot (Heuchera maxima): good hummingbird plants

Finally, Heucheras are known for their medicinal properties. The leaves and stems – but particularly the roots – produce chemicals that are strongly astringent and possibly anti-microbial. In traditional medicine, a poultice or extract of the roots was applied to skin wounds and sores to stop the bleeding and reduce swelling. An extract of the root was used as a gargle for mouth sores and sore throats. Note: this plant has strong medicinal properties and should not be taken internally.

In summary, Heuchera maxima is treasured by western gardeners for its attractive foliage, pretty flowers and shade-loving nature. It’s hard to find an easier-to-grow plant that looks as good as the Island alumroot and its cultivars. And if you’re creating a Channel Island themed garden, you’ll want to include this species in your collection. We hope you’ll consider adding this versatile plant to your own garden this winter.

Heuchera 'Wendy' : Mother Nature's Garden of Health

For a gardening information sheet see: http://www.slideshare.net/cvadheim/heuchera-maxima

For more pictures of this plant see: http://www.slideshare.net/cvadheim/heuchera-maxima-web-show

For plant information sheets on other native plants see: http://nativeplantscsudh.blogspot.com/p/gallery-of-native-plants_17.html

We welcome your comments (below). You can also send your questions to: mothernaturesbackyard10@gmail.com

Thursday, July 5, 2018

Plant of the Month (July) : Cleveland Sage – Salvia clevelandii

Cleveland sage (Salvia clevelandii): Mother Nature's Backyard garden

Most of our native Salvias are spring bloomers. Excluding a few blossoms on the Purple sage (Salvia leucophylla), most are done for the year – at least in our water-wise gardens. The exception is our Plant of the Month - the Cleveland sage, Salvia clevelandii. This species adds a welcome touch of blue-purple among the summer pink buckwheats dominating our summer gardens. Its scientific name is pronounced SAL-vee-uh cleve-LAND-ee-eye.

Like all Salvias, Salvia clevelandii belongs to the Mint family, known for square stems and aromatic foliage. In fact, another common name for Salvia clevelandii is ‘Fragrant Sage’. Seventeen Salvia species are native to California. [1] Many are common, while a few are quite rare. We grow seven of the common S. California species (Salvia apiana; S. clevelandii; S. dorii; S. leucophylla; S. mellifera; S. munzii; S. spathacea) in Mother Nature’s Backyard and Garden of Health. They are key species in our gardens, providing color, scent, habitat and a source of cuttings for seasonings and potpourri.

Cleveland sage is named for Daniel Cleveland, an early collector of the species. Cleveland (1838-1929), was an authority on ferns, a lawyer and botanical collector in the San Diego area. He was one of the founding members of the San Diego Natural History Society and started the herbarium of the San Diego Natural History Museum. A number of native plants are named in his honor. [2] Cleveland sage was also collected in the 1800’s by the Parish brothers and Leroy Abrams. For more stories on early S. California plant collectors see: http://mother-natures-backyard.blogspot.com/2018/05/californias-fascinating-native-plants.html.

Cleveland sage grows in the chaparral and coastal sage scrub, primarily in Riverside and San Diego counties, south into Baja California, Mexico. It grows on dry slopes and common plant associates include the Canyon silktassel (Garrya veatchii), Coyote bush (Baccharis pilularis), Chamise (Adenostoma fasciculatum), Laurel sumac (Malosma laurina), California encelia and Chaparral mallow (Malacothamnus fasciculatus).

Cleveland sage (Salvia clevelandii): plant growth form

Salvia clevelandii is a part-woody sub-shrub, growing 2-5+ ft. (0.5-1.5 m.) tall and about as wide. Its form may be rounded or sprawling; we suspect the form is influenced by the amount of pruning, as well as light. Cleveland sage is the most evergreen of our local Salvias; while most have switched to their small, dry summer leaves, Cleveland sage remains pleasantly evergreen through most of the summer.

Cleveland sage (Salvia clevelandii): foliage

The leaves are small (to about 1.25 inches; 3 cm.), pronouncedly veined and wrinkled. The aroma of the leaves is heavenly; the sweetly fresh scent is prized by many gardeners. The new stems are often tinged with red or purple. The entire plant is more delicate appearing than most of our other local Salvias. The refined appearance is another reason this species is widely used in gardens.

Cleveland sage (Salvia clevelandii): flowers

Cleveland sage blooms for about a month, in late spring/early summer. In our gardens it can start as early as April, but more commonly blooms from June into July. The flowers of this species are a more vivid blue-purple than any of the other Salvias we grow. They’re an ‘electric blue’ – photographs don’t do the flower color justice! The tiny, mint-shaped flowers grow in ball-like clusters around the stems. The individual flowers extend from the darker colored bracts, producing a particularly attractive appearance. A mature plant will be covered in floral clusters.

Cleveland sage (Salvia clevelandii): flowering plant

The flowers attract hummingbirds (they may fight over the flowers), butterflies and other pollinators. Seed-eating birds like the Goldfinches pluck seeds from the stems in late summer and fall. And the shrubby habit makes great shelter for ground-dwelling birds and lizards. So Cleveland sage makes a good all-round habitat shrub.

Cleveland sage prefers a light to medium, well-drained soil with pH from 6.0 to 8.5. It’s doing fine in clay-loams and clays in Gardena and Carson gardens. It does best in either full sun or with some afternoon shade (hot, inland gardens – even Phoenix, AZ). In all gardens, Cleveland sage is fine with a moderate layer of organic mulch.

In much of S. California, Salvia clevelandii looks best with occasional summer water – perhaps several waterings a summer. It grows in areas prone to summer monsoons – look to the weather reports from the San Diego foothills for a clue for when to water. In hot desert gardens, and in very sandy soils, deep weekly irrigation will keep it looking good. [3]

Cleveland sage (Salvia clevelandii): pruned plant

Like most native Salvias, Cleveland sage looks best with regular late fall pruning. Pruning should begin the first fall, even though the plant will be small. Each branch should be pruned back, leaving 3-4 branching nodes. Don’t cut back into the older, non-budding wood, which cannot re-sprout. Fall pruning – similar to browsing of deer in the wilds – promotes a dense, rounded shape. Deadheading the flowers, if desired, may promote a second round of blooming.

'Winnifred Gilman' sage (Salvia clevelandii 'Winnifred Gilman')

Cleveland sage is widely planted in Southwestern gardens, often alongside other Salvias. So it’s not surprising that a number of attractive hybrids and other cultivars have resulted. Some of these appear to be all (or mostly) true Salvia clevelandii types, though they may be found to have other salvia genes. The most common and popular in our area is S. clevelandii ‘Winnifred Gilman’, a nicely shaped cultivar with loads of intensely blue flowers. The other ‘true’ Cleveland sage cultivar is S. clevelandii ‘Betsy Clebsch’ (recommended for desert gardeners).

Cleveland sage cultivar (Salvia clevelandii x S. leucophylla)

There are several good hybrid cultivars that share the good features of Salvia clevelandii. The most common are the Salvia clevelandii x S. leucophylla hybrids, including ‘Allen Chickering’, ‘Ponzo Blue’ and ‘Whirly Blue’. These cultivars have slightly lighter purple flowers, with more flower clusters per stalk (see above). Like Purple sage, they are very drought tolerant and may be longer lived than straight Cleveland Sage.

Salvia ‘Vicki Romo’ is an interesting hybrid between Salvia clevelandii and S. apiana (White sage). This plant is smaller than White sage, has more gray-green leaves than Cleveland sage, and is also very drought tolerant. ‘Celestial Blue’ (Salvia clevelandii x pachyphylla x ?leucophylla) features the blue-and-magenta flowers of Salvia pachyphylla and gray-green foliage. Other (likely complex) hybrids include ‘Aromas’ (looks like Purple sage but with strong aroma) and Salvia ‘Carl Nielson’ (possibly Salvia clevelandii × mohavensis), a smaller cultivar that does well with monthly water in desert gardens. [4]

Cleveland sage hybrid cultivar: Garden of Dreams
Discovery Garden, CSU Dominguez Hills

Whether you choose the straight species or a cultivar, Cleveland sage is a delight for the garden designer. Because the growth habit, foliage and flower color, bloom season, size and fragrance are quite different among the cultivars, we recommend seeing a plant in person before purchasing.

Whichever you choose, Cleveland sage adds a splash of blue-purple to the late spring and early summer garden. It contrasts beautifully with the creamy pastels of the native buckwheat flowers or the yellows of the summer sunflowers. It is also dramatic when massed. In the San Diego area it can be used to naturalize large gardens. It can be used as a foundation plant, at the back of water-wise flower beds or as an accent plant. While short-lived in some gardens, Cleveland sage is worth replanting every 5 years or so, if necessary.

Cleveland sage (Salvia clevelandii): contrasts with
Giant buckwheat (Eriogonum giganteum)

An aroma garden would not be complete without Cleveland Sage; it smells like no other sage and is delightful beside a seating area in summer. The flowers – even the dried stems – make great cut flowers. The leaves can also be dried for use as a flavoring, incense or potpourri. The scent lasts for at least 6-8 months after drying. Place a sachet of dried Cleveland sage in a clothing drawer for a reminder of summer. Or use the dried leaves to create a refreshing bath or shower.

Cleveland sage (Salvia clevelandii): young plant,
Mother Nature's Backyard, Gardena CA

In summary, Cleveland sage is beloved by gardeners for its graceful shape, bright flowers and wonderful aroma. It is a native habitat plant, with many practical uses. So search out Salvia clevelandii (or its cultivars) next time you visit a native plant garden or nursery. You may be convinced to find a place for it in your own garden.