Can you eat purple sage, Texas Sage?  This perennial evergreen shrub with grayish leaves and fabulous purple flowers is actually not sage at all.  This purple bush goes by the name Silverleaf, Texas Ranger Plant, Thunder Cloud or most commonly Purple Texas Sage.

Leucophyllum frutescens, Texas sage

Leucophyllum frutescens is the scientific name for this Texas Sage bush and it is a member of the figwort family.

white flower, White Cloud, Texas Sage

The Texas Sage shrub with white flowers is called White Cloud.  According to the National Gardening Association, Texas Sage is one plant that is most often ignored by deer unless they are starving.  Rabbits and other small animals in the desert will not eat Texas Sage either.  It is safe to say that this white or purple flowering bush is critter proof!

purple flowering bush in AZ, TX

After several hours of research I was not able to find any evidence of the Texas Sage bush being edible.  Looks like it is best to leave this luscious purple shrub to the bees and the butterflies.  

Texas Sage bush, Leucophyllum frutescens

Eating Texas Sage is not recommended.  Nonetheless, it is a gorgeous addition to your sun-filled garden!  Texas Sage is a popular ornamental plant that does best in dry, warm locations. This flowering desert bush can grow up to eight feet high.  In Arizona, Purple Sage is often used as a border or hedge for a yard.

If you are interested in more information regarding care and pruning your Texas Sage please browse the categories for more articles.