California's White Sage of the Chaparral

White Sage (Salvia apiana) is found in the Chaparral and Coastal Sage Scrub areas of California. Though the Santa Monica Mountains boast at least six species of Native Salvia (some of which are not found anywhere outside of California), the White Sage is becoming harder to find.  In part, this is due to the interest in White Sage Smudge Sticks from all over the country.  Poachers are not so kind to our local stands, sometimes stripping whole hillsides of the plants, roots and all.  I made Marcie promise not to reveal the secret location of the wild White Sage I had shown her. Her next smudge stick will have to come from her very own plants, which are available at our local native plant nurseries.. “Shh… let’s keep your secret quiet.  The Hummingbirds will thank you.”  Continue Reading..