Jupiter's distaff

Salvia glutinosa

Also known as Clary sage, Silver sage, Jupiter's sage, Drymosphace glutinosa

Zones 4–9Sun Partial SunWater ModerateCare Moderate

Native Plants · Edibles & Herbs · Salvia · Woodland Sage · Lamiaceae · Yellow Flowers · Part Shade · Perennial · Pollinator · Medicinal · European Native · Sticky Leaves

Pet-safeMedicinalAttracts pollinators

In stock at 12 nurseriesStock updated 9/6/2026

Jupiter's distaff is a stately woodland sage that flourishes in partial shade with consistently moist, humus-rich soil. Its sticky, pale-yellow flowers are highly attractive to pollinators and make a striking statement in a shaded border or woodland garden. Prune back after flowering to encourage fresh growth and maintain a tidy form.

Growing conditions

The details behind the basics

Daily light: 4 hours
Watering: Water deeply until soil is evenly moist, then allow the top 1-2 inches to dry before watering again · Every 7-10 days
Maintenance: Moderate
Soil: loam
Soil pH: 7–7.5
Temperature: -20°F to 90°F
Cycle: Perennial
Propagation: Seed, Division

Hardiness

USDA 4a-9b

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Form & growth

Mature size and habit

Mature height: 12 in – 3 ft
Spread: 2 ft
Spacing: 24 in apart
Growth rate: Moderate
Root depth: Medium
Flowers: No
Foliage: Medium

Ecology & origin

Where it belongs and what it brings

Native to: Albania, Austria, Belarus, Bulgaria, Central European Rus, Corse, Czechoslovakia, East European Russia, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iran, Italy, Krym, New York, North Caucasus, Poland, Romania, South European Russi
Attracts: Bees, Butterflies, Moths

Sources: trefle, usda