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Wild Clary Salvia verbenaca 

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Wild Clary is a native perennial plant of the UK, typically found growing in dry ground, sand dunes and chalky grassland, to a mature height of up to 80cm.

Wild Clary, or Wild Sage, is an erect hairy member of the Mint family with spikes of whorled flowers emerging from a rosette of rough crinkly leaves at the base. Wild Clary is related to Garden Sage (Salvia offinialis) used in cooking and the aromatic leaves of Wild Clary are sometimes also used to flavour food or make herbal tea.

Botanic classification and naming: Wild Clary is a member of the Mint (Lamiaceae) family. The genus name 'Salvia' identifies the plant as a Sage and its species name 'verbenaca' means 'verbena-like (leaves)'.

Benefits: Produces nectar-rich flowers and attracts a wide range of bees. Provides a food source for caterpillars of the Twin-Spot Carpet Moth.

Benefits to wildlife are also indicated with orange icons in the plant profile bar at the top.