Jerusalem Sage buds

Description:

Jerusalem sage is shrub-like in appearance and grows 4-6 feet (1.2-1.8 m) tall with upright, hairy stems that turn woody at the base as the plant ages. It has rough, aromatic leaves that are 2-4 inches (5-10 cm) long, dull-green on top and covered in dense, fine, silvery hair beneath. The most striking feature of Jerusalem sage is its bright yellow, tubular, hooded flowers that grow in large whorls on short spikes. Emerging in late spring to mid-summer, these flowers attract butterflies, bees and birds.

Habitat:

Wildlife habitat yard on Belton Lake.

Notes:

Jerusalem sage, named Phlomis fruticosa in Latin and sometimes called yellow clary or great sage, is a perennial herb native to the Mediterranean region, where it grows from Portugal and Spain to Greece and Turkey. The plant's English name is misleading. Firstly, Jerusalem sage belongs to the Lamiaceae family of plants, meaning it is a type of mint rather than a sage. Secondly, it does not appear to have any real connection to Jerusalem, but might have been so named because it is common in the eastern parts of the Mediterranean.