White sage grows into a mounding and sprawling shrub 3-4 ft. tall and 4-5 ft. wide. It is quickly recognized by its distinctive silvery-white foliage color and dramatic upward sweeping flower stalks. Chalky-white leaves grow 3-4 in. long, are arranged in a whorl pattern on stems and are highly pungent when crushed. Flower spikes begin to grow in late spring and can reach 4-6 ft. high; flowers are mostly white with tinges of pink to lavender.

White sage most commonly occurs in the coastal sage scrub and chaparral plant communities from Santa Barbara County to Baja California. Throughout this range it is a noted honey production plant with distinctive visual character. The combination of tall spikes and white flowers particularly with backlighting results in a bold visual impact in both native gardens throughout the Inland Empire. Plant in full sun, well-drained soils and provide low amounts of summer water.