Jerusalem-sage (Phlomis fruticosa, Sp. Pl.: 584 (1753))

Family: Lamiaceae

Author: L.

Bibliography: Sp. Pl.: 584 (1753)

Year: 1753

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Phlomis

Vegetable: False

Observations: Sardegna to Transcaucasus

Description

Jerusalem-sage, known by its scientific name Phlomis fruticosa, is a remarkable plant that has intrigued botanists and plant enthusiasts alike since it was first described in 1753 by the esteemed taxonomist Carl Linnaeus. Belonging to the family Lamiaceae, this attractive perennial is well-regarded for both its ornamental beauty and its hardy nature.

Originating from regions stretching from Sardegna to Transcaucasus, Jerusalem-sage thrives in Mediterranean climates where it can bask in the warmth of the sun. This plant is typically found in rocky, well-draining soils, mirroring the rugged terrains of its native habitat. Its resilience and adaptability make it a popular choice for xeriscaping and drought-tolerant garden designs.

Jerusalem-sage is characterized by its dense, bushy growth, typically reaching a height of about 1 to 1.5 meters. The foliage comprises woolly, grey-green leaves that not only contribute to the plant’s aesthetic appeal but also serve a functional role in reducing water loss—a vital adaptation in arid environments. During the blooming season, Phlomis fruticosa produces vibrant yellow flowers arranged in whorls, adding a splash of color and attracting a variety of pollinators, including bees and butterflies.

Beyond its decorative uses, Jerusalem-sage has also been employed in traditional practices for its medicinal properties. Historical records suggest that different parts of the plant were used in folk medicine to address various ailments, including respiratory issues and skin conditions.

Adaptable, resilient, and strikingly beautiful, Jerusalem-sage remains a cherished addition to gardens that aim to balance aesthetics with environmentally-conscious gardening. Whether gracing the landscapes of its native regions or being cultivated in gardens around the world, Phlomis fruticosa stands out as a testament to nature’s ability to blend beauty with endurance.

Common Names

Eng: jerusalem sage, jerusalem-sage, shrubby jerusalem sage
Fra: phlomis ligneux, sauge de jérusalem
Swe: lejonsvans
Deu: strauchiges brandkraut
Cym: saets caersalem
En: Jerusalem-sage, Shrubby Jerusalem sage, Jerusalem Sage, French Sage
Ar: أذينة جنبية
Zh: 橙花糙苏
Nl: Brandkruid
Fi: Pensaspaloyrtti
Fr: Sauge de Jérusalem, Phlomis ligneux
De: Strauchiges Brandkraut, Strauch-Brandkraut
El: Ασφάκα
It: Salvione giallo, Flomis
Fa: گوش بره درختچه‌ای
Es: Candilera, Matulera
Sv: Lejonsvans
Zh-tw: 橙花糙蘇
Cy: Saets Caersalem
: Shrubby jerusalem sage

Synonyms

• Phlomis scariosa (C.Presl)
• Beloakon luteum (Raf.)
• Phlomis angustifolia (Mill.)
• Phlomis portae (A.Kern. ex Nyman)
• Phlomis collina (Salisb.)

Distribution

• Albania (native)
• Cyprus (native)
• East Aegean Is. (native)
• Greece (native)
• Italy (native)
• Kriti (native)
• Sardegna (native)
• Sicilia (native)
• Transcaucasus (native)
• Turkey (native)
• Yugoslavia (native)
• Azores (introduced)
• Krym (introduced)

Additional Images

Flower

Taken Jun 4, 2018 by jose (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 4, 2018 by jose (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 4, 2018 by jose (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 3, 2019 by hely (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 4, 2018 by jose (cc-by-sa)

Leaf

Taken Mar 18, 2021 by Michelle Mateos (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 4, 2018 by jose (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 4, 2018 by jose (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 4, 2018 by jose (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 4, 2018 by jose (cc-by-sa)

Fruit

Taken Dec 15, 2019 by LisaMeze (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 13, 2022 by laurence petro (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 21, 2019 by Johan Niss (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 31, 2017 by Anke Chr. Schröder (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 2, 2018 by Kévin Tossam (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Nov 19, 2022 by Therese Alexis (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 19, 2022 by Therese Alexis (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 8, 2022 by Fabrice Rubio (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 27, 2019 by Dieter Wagner (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 17, 2018 by Guillaume EYMERIC (cc-by-sa)

Other

Taken Sep 23, 2019 by Forde Dara (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 5, 2022 by M. Hedayat (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 23, 2020 by B S (cc-by-sa)

Taken Dec 11, 2019 by Polinella (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 7, 2021 by raphaelh (cc-by-sa)

Bark

Taken Mar 30, 2019 by Eric Verna (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 1, 2013 by Tela Botanica − Pierre Bonnet (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 18, 2018 by Colette Dorion (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 18, 2022 by PATRICK STELZLE (cc-by-sa)

Taken Feb 23, 2020 by Raigon Guille Raigon (cc-by-sa)

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/2927452)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:453897-1)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Phlomis fruticosa L.)

Specifications

Growth habit>: Shrub

Growth

Bloom months: [‘may’, ‘jun’]