Wood Sage
Teucrium scorodonia
Tap image to enlarge · Wikimedia Commons
Overview
Wood Sage is one of the characteristic plants of the pinewood edges and dry dune scrub at Formby. The soft, grey-green, wrinkled leaves smell of sage when crushed. The flower spikes of small, pale yellow-green flowers are distinctive in late summer. It's a plant of dry, acidic, free-draining soils — the sandy conditions at Formby suit it perfectly. Used historically to flavour ale before hops became the standard bitter ingredient.
At a Glance
| Order | Lamiales |
| Family | Lamiaceae |
| Habitat | Pinewood edge · Dry dune scrub · Heathland edge · Sandy woodland |
| UK population | Common on dry, acidic heathland and woodland in Britain |
| Sefton Coast | Common in the Formby pinewoods edge and dry dune scrub throughout the Sefton Coast |
| Conservation | UK Green List |
Where to See It
Dune scrub and pinewood edges at Formby and Ainsdale. Grows in dry, acidic soil.
Identification
Upright plant to 40cm. Soft, grey-green, oval, wrinkled leaves with a sage-like smell when crushed. Spikes of small, pale yellow-green flowers. Paired leaves. Dry, sandy habitat.
Viewing & Photography Tips
Walk the pinewood edges at Formby and the dry dune scrub — Wood Sage is common. Crush a leaf to enjoy the distinctive sage fragrance.
Conservation Status
UK Green List
This species has a favourable conservation status in the UK and remains an important part of Sefton Coast biodiversity.
Frequently Asked Questions
Was Wood Sage actually used to make beer?
Yes — Wood Sage was one of the most widely used bittering agents for ale in Britain before hops became standard in the 15th–16th centuries. It provided both bitterness and antimicrobial preservative properties (important for keeping beer drinkable). Other bittering plants used historically included Ground Ivy, Yarrow and Mugwort.
Related Species
Plan your visit to the Sefton Coast
Marshside RSPB, Formby pinewoods, Ainsdale NNR — practical guides to getting there, what to bring, and the best spots for each season.