Family: Mint (Lamiaceae)

Hardy to Zones 4 to 9

(Balsamic Sage)  Cold-hardy perennial, evergreen in the warmer zones.  Native to Eastern Europe and Western Asia.  Flowers in second year in the months of June and July, showy, inch-long blue inflorescences, in straight stalks rising from the foliage, to a height of 2 feet.  The plant itself tends to be very low-lying and ground hugging, a gentle mound.  The leaves are ovate, pointed, dark green, the petioles tending toward the color of wine, especially in the late season.  The leaves are deeply textured, the dorsal surface as if waxed, the ventral surface hairy with matted trichomes (thus the “tomentose” adage).  The aroma of the dried leaves is pleasantly balsamic.  Where the plant occurs in the wild, it is harvested and used as a preferred tea herb.  As a condiment, it can be employed much like garden sage (Salvia officinalis).  Traditional uses (TWM):  Antibacterial, antiinflammatory, carminative, antioxidant.  Plant prefers full sun and medium moisture to dryish soils.  It is an excellent choice for the front of the Mediterranean-style bed as it is low-growing and durable.  Space plants 2 feet apart.
Potted plant, certified organically grown