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

Initially they thought they would focus on native succulents and cactus for their yard until they began noticing white sage, buckwheats and sagebrush when they went running in the Laguna Hills and Santa Ana Mountains.

From Los Angeles Times • Aug. 26, 2025

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 • Oct. 8, 2024

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

From Salon • Jan. 1, 2024

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

From Salon • Jan. 1, 2024

There was grass and white sage where rabbits darted in and out.

From Wildfire by Grey, Zane