Shrubby, evergreen perennial with branched stems and wrinkled, velvety, grey-green leaves. Spikes of violet to purple, pink or white flowers in summer. This is the main culinary variety, popular with onions for poultry stuffing and for flavouring rich meats like pork or duck. Also in homemade sausages, omelettes, cheese, and bean dishes. Sage tea gargle is valuable for sore throats.