War on Weeds — Weeds are Everybody’s Problem

Mediterranean Sage

Mediterranean sage (Salvia Aethiopis L.), a biennial native to Europe, was likely introduced as an ornamental or as a contaminate in seed. It is not palatable to livestock or wildlife, allowing it to outcompete palatable plants. It typically invades rangelands, but it can also establish in agronomic fields, roadsides and pastures.

Mediterranean sage can grow up to 3 feet tall. Wooly hairs on leaves and stems give young plants a soft appearance and, as they mature, they produce fewer hairs and develop prominent veins. Mediterranean sage forms rosettes that can be 1 to 4 feet in diameter. Stems are square and multi-branched; clusters of flowers are housed at the end of stems. Flowers are yellow to white, 1/2-1 inch wide, and each has five petals. A mature mediterranean sage plant can produce up to 100,000 seeds in one year. Seeds are dispersed as the plant is blown in the wind as a tumble weed.

Integrated Pest Management (IPM) options

• Prevention — Learn to identify this plant. Never transport unknown plant material. Always plant clean seed.
• Mechanical — Hand digging may be effective for small infestations. Be sure to cut the root at least 2-3 inches below the soil surface. Digging must occur after the rosette stage but before seed is produced.
• Cultural — Use proper grazing techniques to encourage desirable plant growth, do not over graze.
• Biological — Root-Crown Weevil (Phrydiucus tau) has been found to reduce the spread of this weed. It feeds on the root crown, preventing the weed from bolting.
• Chemical — There are several herbicide active ingredients that can effectively control this weed. Clopyralid controls existing plants but will not provide residual control like Picloram. Metsulfuron + 2,4-D or Metsulfuron + Glyphosate are effective at controlling this plant from the rosette stage to early flowering. Use a surfactant, its hairy leaves make it difficult for herbicides to contact the leaf surface. Always read and follow herbicide label directions.

Idaho is a wonderful place with awesome natural resources, landscapes, agriculture and recreational opportunities. Weeds threaten all the things that we love about Idaho. To detect, contain and control weeds in Idaho we have declared “War on Weeds.” These short articles are designed to give a brief description of each species, an explanation about why it’s a problem, insights into identification and Integrated Pest Management control options. — Justin Hatch

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• Mediterranean sage, 4-29