Local gardeners recently were rewarded with free sage plants when the Fullerton Arboretum hosted a plant sale and white sage giveaway. White sage, also known as salvia apiana, has become popular in recent years in its use for stress relief, spiritual rituals and medicinal purposes.
“This practice of burning the sage has become very popular and has resulted in a high demand for white sage, which leads to poaching it in wildlands,” said Gregory Pongetti, living collections curator at the Fullerton Arboretum.
He notes white sage also makes a great garden plant. “It is drought tolerant, easy to grow, attracts pollinators and birds, and has striking white foliage that contrasts well with plants with green leaves.”
Dave LeRose discusses lion tail plants during Fullerton Arboretum’s plant sale and sage giveaway at California State University, Fullerton on Saturday, December 3, 2022. (Photo by Drew A. Kelley, Contributing Photographer)
Five-year-old Ethan Schrock pulls a wagon full of native plants during Fullerton Arboretum’s plant sale and sage giveaway at California State University, Fullerton on Saturday, December 3, 2022. (Photo by Drew A. Kelley, Contributing Photographer)
Mojave Prickly Pears for sale during Fullerton Arboretum’s plant sale and sage giveaway at California State University, Fullerton on Saturday, December 3, 2022. (Photo by Drew A. Kelley, Contributing Photographer)
From left, Shirley and Daniel Mercado admire various native plants for sale during Fullerton Arboretum’s plant sale and sage giveaway at California State University, Fullerton on Saturday, December 3, 2022. (Photo by Drew A. Kelley, Contributing Photographer)
Ian Rhodes purchases a variety of native plants during Fullerton Arboretum’s plant sale and sage giveaway at California State University, Fullerton on Saturday, December 3, 2022. (Photo by Drew A. Kelley, Contributing Photographer)
A common gumplant for sale during Fullerton Arboretum’s plant sale and sage giveaway at California State University, Fullerton on Saturday, December 3, 2022. (Photo by Drew A. Kelley, Contributing Photographer)
Jack Wettler admires a Johnston’s honeysuckle plant, for sale during Fullerton Arboretum’s plant sale and sage giveaway at California State University, Fullerton on Saturday, December 3, 2022. (Photo by Drew A. Kelley, Contributing Photographer)