white sage

noun

1. Also called greasewood. a shrubby plant, Salvia apiana, of the mint family, native to southern California, having white, hairy foliage and spikes of white or pale lavender flowers.
2. an aromatic, composite plant, Artemisia ludoviciana, of western North America, having leaves with a downy white undersurface.

Word History and Origins

Origin of white sage¹

An Americanism dating back to 1865–70

Example Sentences

She began adding Cleveland sage, white sage, evening primrose, yellow lupine and other native plants in earnest, removing dead or poor-performing non-natives.

From Los Angeles Times

Instead of lawn or little potted palms around the pool, there are oversize stands of desperado sage, a fragrant hybrid between white sage and purple sage, growing so untamed they’re nearly spilling into the pool.

From Los Angeles Times

If the Beach Boys could make surfing a national phenomenon, who says Sage Against the Machine can’t get everyone excited about California buckwheat and white sage?

From Los Angeles Times

Furthermore, Indigenous people may use herbs like white sage for their rich medicinal properties.

From Salon

Burning white sage to cleanse a person or space or to attract positive energy has become trendy in recent years, with sage bundles appearing in starter witch kits and even luxury grocery stores.

From Washington Post