white sage

American  

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.

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Etymology

Origin of white sage

An Americanism dating back to 1865–70

Example Sentences

Club regular Juno Stilley sat inside with the seed-sorters, grinding white sage between her fingers.

From Los Angeles Times • Oct. 15, 2025

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 • Apr. 4, 2024

It also has increased the threat of wildfires and urban development, showcasing how crucial white sage is to its surrounding ecosystem.

From Salon • Jan. 1, 2024

Instead of buying white sage, we can consider the impact before purchasing it.

From Salon • Jan. 1, 2024

As we cross the sandy divide, over which a wagon could drive anywhere, we find white sage in abundance.

From The Lake of the Sky Lake Tahoe in the High Sierras of California and Nevada, its History, Indians, Discovery by Frémont, Legendary Lore, Various Namings, Physical Characteristics, Glacial Phenomena, Geology, Single Outlet, Automobile Routes, Historic Towns, Early Mining Excitements, Steamer Ride, Mineral Springs, Mountain and Lake Resorts, Trail and Camping Out Trips, Summer Residences, Fishing, Hunting, Flowers, Birds, Animals, Trees, and Chaparral, with a Full Account of the Tahoe National Forest, the Public Use of the Water of Lake Tahoe and Much Other Interesting Matter by James, George Wharton