Salvia Sclarea--Clary

I love the glowing translucent quality of the petals of the Clary Sage. Very pretty. The aromatic leaves are edible, and have been used in alcohol and tobacco products, but the main claim to fame of the plant is its use in the perfume industry. It is called "Clary" because the mucilaginous seeds are used to make a water bath to clear the eye. I guess the mucus sticks to the particles and washes them out.

Lots of this plant grows in the herb garden at the UC Botanical Garden. Either the horticulturalist really likes it, or it is very easy to grow and seeds itself.