Tag: Sagebrush

Approximately 900 species exist within the *Salvia* genus alone, and not all plants commonly called 'desert sage' are edible. Foraging requires precise identification, as the two most common 'desert sages' belong to completely different plant families, with one being safe for consumption and the other containing toxic compounds.

According to the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health, common sage is likely safe in typical food amounts, but some species contain a toxic compound called thujone in higher concentrations. Thus, the safety of eating wild sage depends on accurate identification, proper harvesting, and moderate consumption. A forager's mistake can have serious consequences, emphasizing the need for caution and knowledge.