Is a Russian Sage Plant an Herb?

Definition

• Herbal plants serve an array of purposes. "An herb can be broadly defined as a plant used for a specific purpose other than nourishment. It includes a wide diversity of forms," according to the State Arboretum of Virginia. Russian sage is valued for its beautiful fragrance, although deer do not seem to care for it. The plant and its extract are used as deer repellents.

Identification

• Although both are members of the mint family and both are herbs, and despite its name, the Russian sage plant (Perovskia atriplicifolia) is a different type of herb than the common garden sage (Salvia officinalis) that is used regularly in cooking. Both belong to the same family of plants, the Lamiaceae, but they are different varieties.

Benefits

• The sweet smell of the Russian sage is one of its main attractions as an herb. "The flowers and foliage make good bouquets and can perfume the entire house with their clean, herbal scent," wrote garden columnist Vern Nelson in a 2009 article for "The Oregonian." "I use the sweet-tasting flowers whole in salads, but mince the leaves, which are good but assertive."