White Sage grows wild on the hilltops of Pinecrest. We are lucky, because this plant can be choosy about where it likes to grow, is difficult to propagate and takes several years to mature. Please respect White Sage and all the native plants. Do not remove or damage these plants for the sake of an extra tent site or parking spot. Let's keep Pinecrest's native plants alive!
White Sage can be a slow growing, difficult to establish plant that can take up to three years to reach a mature size. The plant above is a three year old pictured in spring. The body of the plant gets to be two to three feet tall and can spread eight feet or more. The flower wands will add two to five feet to the height and will have tiny insignificant looking white flowers that are dotted with lavender. At least they are insignificant to us, to the bees they are heaven, which it is why it is sometimes referred to as bee sage. White Sage has highly aromatic, waxy gray leaves that are used for incense.
Native Americans have used white sage for centuries and continue to use it today. White sage has been used traditionally to purify the mind, body and spirit before praying. Native Americans also used white sage in ceremonies of birth and death. Sacred objects such as pipes and eagle feathers were passed through the smoking of burning white sage in order to purify them.
When clearing the land of dry brush and weeds for fire safety, be mindful of the plants that should never be removed: native american plants such as the white sage.
Benefits of Native Plants
ReplyDeleteNative vegetation evolved to live with the local climate, soil types, and animals. This long process brings us several gardening advantages.
* Save Water:
Once established, many native plants need minimal irrigation beyond normal rainfall.
* Low Maintenance:
Low maintenance landscaping methods are a natural fit with native plants that are already adapted to the local environment. Look forward to using less water, little to no fertilizer, little to no pesticides, less pruning, and less of your time.
* Pesticide Freedom:
Native plants have developed their own defenses against many pests and diseases. Since most pesticides kill indiscriminately, beneficial insects become secondary targets in the fight against pests. Reducing or eliminating pesticide use lets natural pest control take over and keeps garden toxins out of our creeks and watersheds.
* Wildlife Viewing:
Native plants, birds, butterflies, beneficial insects, and interesting critters are “made for each other.” Research shows that native wildlife prefers native plants.
* Support Local Ecology:
As development replaces natural habitats, planting gardens, parks, and roadsides with California natives can provide a “bridge” to nearby remaining wildlands.
Beautiful natural landscapes in California, including the scenic National Parks here, display authentic California flora. Your garden can too.