Edible vs. Ornamental Salvia: Know the Difference

Not all salvias are edible. Culinary sage is Salvia officinalis. Ornamental types like 'May Night', tricolor salvia, and annual salvia are not toxic but lack culinary value—they're bred for flowers, not flavor. Russian sage (Perovskia atriplicifolia) isn't a true salvia and isn't edible either. If you want to cook with sage, plant S. officinalis or other named culinary cultivars. Enjoy the ornamentals for their beauty and pollinator appeal.