Herb of the Month:
Pineapple Sage

By Anita Smith
September 2006

Botanical Name: Salvia elegans
Uses: crafts, medicinal, culinary, ornamental
Area of Origin: Mexico 

  Pineapple Sage is a semi - woody sub shrub. A member of the mint family, it has a very strong Pineapple scent when the leaves are bruised. It is rarely grown from seed but roots easily from cuttings. It is considered and annual, but has been known to return the following spring. In a sunny garden it can grow up to 3 feet in height as well as width. It's leaves are pointed and light green, with soft downy hairs. It blooms in the late summer or early fall with narrow tubular red flowers that are very attractive to hummingbirds and butterflies.
  When cooking with Pineapple Sage it is best to use fresh leaves, as the dried leaves tend to lose much of their flavor. Try throwing a few leaves in salads and teas. The flowers can also be used and add great color.

Created by Cyndal Smith
Webmaster of the Greater Fort Worth Herb Society,
Created August 31, 2006 - Updated August 31, 2006