MEDITERRANEAN SAGE aethiopis , the mint family Category: C o n t rol

Eric Coombs, Oregon Department of Agriculture, Bugwood.org F A C T S H E E T I N F O R M A T I O N

Summary of Invasiveness Mediterranean sage is an invasive that outcompetes beneficial forage and is unpalatable to livestock and wildlife, reducing forage production. Description Biennial that can grow up to 3 feet tall. Fine, woolly hairs cover the stems and leaf surfaces. Plants become less hairy as they mature and leaves develop prominent venation. Flowering stems are square and highly branched with yellow to whitish flowers in whorls of 5-10.

Grey-green rosette leaves are ovate to triangular, irregularly Eric Coombs, Oregon Department of Agriculture, Bugwood.org lobed to deeply incised, and reach 1-4 feet in diameter. The stem leaves are smaller than lower leaves and clasp the stem. When crushed, they have a sage-like aroma. 4 smooth nutlets with dark veins develop from each flower. Introduction and Movement Mediterranean sage is native to Europe and was likely introduced to the U.S. as a seed contaminant in seed. Inhabits disturbed sites such as degraded sagebrush communities, fields, rangelands, roadsides, and some agronomic crops. Mature plants break off and become tumbleweeds, easily spreading as many as 100,000 seeds each. Seeds can also be dispersed by hitching a ride in mud on vehicles or shoes. Lloyd Andres, USDA Agricultural Research Service, Bugwood.org Prevention Strategy To prevent accidental introductions, learn how to identify Mediterranean sage and eradicate infestations on your property. When gardening, always research plants before planting and only purchase seeds from licensed nurseries. Always remove and properly dispose of all seed and plant materials on vehicles, clothing, shoes and pets before you exit or enter outdoor recreational sites. Always Remember To: Know What you Grow & Knock it off! Sources Invasive Plant Atlas of the U.S.: https://www.invasiveplantatlas.org/subject.html?sub=4361 Idaho's Noxious Weeds 9th Edition, University of Idaho: Eric Coombs, Oregon Department of Agriculture, Bugwood.org http://www.extension.uidaho.edu/publishing/pdf/BUL/BUL816.pdf.

F O R A D D I T I O N A L I N F O R M A T I O N , P L E A S E V I S I T : I N V A S I V E S P E C I E S . I D A H O . G O V T O R E P O R T I N V A S I V E S P E C I E S I N I D A H O , P L E A S E C A L L 1 - 8 7 7 - 3 3 6 - 8 6 7 6 . MEDITERRANEAN SAGE DISTRIBUTION MAP