The Russian sage and Lavandula belong to the same plant family, Lamiaceae. But despite the similarity in origin, the two herbs have some differences. Nick’s Garden Center takes a closer look at the characteristics that distinguish the two herbs.
Origins and Background
Russian sage originated in Central Asia. The natives used various parts of the plant as medicine for respiratory and digestive problems. In addition, the natives cultivated Russian sage for its decorative and aromatic properties.
Historians trace the origin of Lavender to the mountainous regions of Europe and the Mediterranean. Local communities used it to make relaxing baths and herbal concoctions. In addition, locals used Lavender as a spice and an ingredient in perfumes.
Appearance and Growth Patterns
The Russian sage has tall stems with silver-gray leaves. When the herb blooms, its branches bear clusters of small violet-blue flowers. Under the right conditions, Russian sage can grow up to 3 to 5 feet tall.
The Lavender plant has narrow, gray-green leaves. When mature, the herb’s shoots bear clusters of tiny flowers with shades of purple or blue. The lavender plant is usually bushy and can grow 1 to 3 feet tall.
Fragrances
The Russian sage and Lavender plants have delightful fragrances. The Russian sage has a pungent menthol scent that is more noticeable when the leaves are crushed. Some people describe the scent as a mix of sage and Lavender.
Contrariwise, Lavender has a floral scent with herbal undertones. The scent is often more noticeable on the flowers of the plant.
Culinary and Medical Uses
The leaves of Russian sage add an earthy flavor to various dishes. In particular, the herb enhances the taste of roasted meats, sauces, poultry, and vegetables. Cooks also use this herb to prepare herbal teas and floral desserts.
Therapeutically, the Russian Sage contains essential oils, including camphor and cineole. This herb also contains luteolin and apigenin. The essential oils combined with the flavonoids provide many medicinal benefits. These include:
- Reducing the risk of cancer
- Reducing inflammation
- Relieving pain
- Combat oxidative stress
- Improving cellular health
Culinary experts use the lavender herb to add a floral essence to various delicacies. For instance, bakers add spice to cookies, cakes, and shortbread, giving them a fragrant essence. Lavender adds a floral aroma to roasted meats, poultry, and vegetables.
The Lavender herb has many therapeutic substances like linalool, linalyl acetate, flavonoids, terpenes, and coumarins. These medicinal compounds play a synergistic role in improving overall health. Some main ways this plant helps are:
- Enhancing relaxation
- Improving the quality of sleep quality
- Reducing pain
- Fighting inflammation
- Treating skin conditions
Growing Conditions – Growing regions – Hardiness
Russian sage grows in conditions similar to its original habitat in Central Asia. It thrives in dry, arid climates with hot summers and limited rainfall. To survive under the arid climate, the herb has extensive roots that extract more water from the soil. Its hairy leaves reduce water loss.
Lavender grows well in a region with dry summers and mild winters. Lavender’s narrow, gray-green leaves are covered with fine hairs that help reduce water loss through evaporation. In addition, its deep root system enables it to draw more moisture from the soil.
Harvesting
Russian sage is harvested for its foliage and flowers. People harvest this aromatic herb during its flowering period in late summer or early fall. After harvesting, the stems are dried for long-term storage.
Like Russian sage, people harvest the flowers and leaves of Lavender. Usually, the herb is harvested in full bloom, typically in summer. Harvesting is often done by cutting the flower stalks just above the foliage.
Get Your Herbs at Nick’s Garden
Nick’s Garden Center is a one-stop store for all your herbal needs. We have a wide selection of herbs, from perennial favorites to annuals. Our diverse selection includes Lavender, Russian Sage, tomatoes, and more. We guarantee, at our garden center, you will find the perfect herb for your garden.
Contact us to learn more about herbs.
