Salvia viridis

Taxobox | name = "Salvia viridis"
regnum = Plantae
divisio = Magnoliophyta
classis = Magnoliopsida
ordo = Lamiales
familia = Lamiaceae
genus = "Salvia"
species = "S. viridis"
binomial = "Salvia viridis"
binomial_authority = L.

"Salvia viridis" (Annual Clary;Orval; syn. "S. horminum" L.) is an annual plant native to southern Europe. It grows up to 40 cm high. It bears pink or purple flowers, which are insignificant compared to the showy coloured bracts that surround them. These bracts may be up to 4 cm long, and in cultivated forms they may be blue, pink, or white.Fact|date=June 2008

Physical Characteristics

Annual growing to 0.5 m by 0.2 m. It is in flower from June to August. The scented flowers are hermaphrodite (have both male and female organs) and are pollinated by bees. It is noted for attracting wildlife.Fact|date=June 2008

The plant prefers light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils and requires well-drained soil.It cannot grow in the shade. It requires dry or moist soil.

Edible Uses

Condiment; Leaves; Seed.

Leaves - raw or cooked. They are very aromatic and are added to salads, soups and cooked greens. They are also used as a flavouring.

Seed - cooked or used as a flavouring.The leaves and the seeds, when added to fermenting liquors, greatly increase the potency of the brew.

Medicinal Uses

Antiseptic; Aromatic.The leaves and flowering stems are aromatic and antiseptic. They make a good gargle for treating sore gums.

Cultivation details

Requires a very well-drained light sandy soil in a sunny position. Prefers a rich soil. Plants can be killed by excessive winter wet.The plant is strongly aromatic. The flowers can be air-dried and used as everlasting flowers.A good bee plant.

Propagation

Seed - sow March/April in a greenhouse. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and plant them out in early summer.

References

* [http://rbg-web2.rbge.org.uk/cgi-bin/nph-readbtree.pl/feout?FAMILY_XREF=&GENUS_XREF=Salvia+&SPECIES_XREF=viridis&TAXON_NAME_XREF=&RANK= Flora Europaea: "Salvia viridis"]