golden sage,beach sage, dune sage, sand sage

Salvia aurea L.

Scientific name

Flowering begins in early spring, and the bright yellow flowers soon fade to rusty-orange and then reddish brown. After the petals fall, the saucer-like calyx, which becomes papery with age, remains as an added attraction. The flowers are both attractive and a curiosity. I.C. Hedge (1974) says the flowers at maturity give the impression of being withered. He describes them as golden brown, often with a trace of purple at the base. The flowers are complemented by greyish-green, aromatic foliage. Altogether, this is a very worthwhile addition to one's garden.