No, it belongs to the same family as sage but is in the genus Teucrium.

Does it need full sun?

It prefers partial shade but will tolerate full sun if the soil stays reasonably moist.

Plant guide

Wood sage.

Teucrium scorodonia

Pronounced TOO-kree-um skor-oh-DOH-nee-ah

woodland germander — Photo by Alexa Hoffman (CC BY) via iNaturalist

Wood sage is a hardy perennial that thrives in woodland settings and rocky soils. It is a fantastic choice for adding texture to shaded garden borders. You will love how its subtle, sage-like foliage brings a natural feel to your landscape.

Another photo of Wood sage — Photo by zebedeugalinha (CC BY) via iNaturalist

At a glance

Care level: Easy
Plant type: Perennial herb
Light: Partial shade to full sun
Indoor light: Medium light
Water: Every 7 to 14 days
Mature size: 1 to 2 feet
Growth rate: Medium
Hardiness: USDA 5 to 9
Bloom time: Mid to late summer

Care

Plant this in well draining soil to keep the roots happy. Watch for wilting if the soil gets too dry during hot spells. It is quite resilient and generally resists most common pests.

Watering: Water when the top few centimetres of soil feel dry. Established plants handle dry spells well and dislike wet soil.
Feeding: Apply a balanced organic fertilizer once in early spring.
Pruning: Cut back the stems in late winter to encourage fresh growth.
Repotting: Repot only when the plant becomes root bound in its container.
Soil: Well draining, sandy or rocky soil
Soil pH: Neutral to slightly acidic
Temperature: -29 to 30°C
Humidity: 40 to 70%
Drought tolerance: High
Lifespan: Perennial, typically 5 to 10 years.
Fragrance: Light
Deer and rabbits: High

Signs it needs repotting

Roots growing out of the drainage holes.
Water sitting on the surface for too long.
Stunted growth during the active season.

Safety

People: Like other germanders, this plant contains compounds linked to liver damage, mainly with repeated use as a tea or herbal remedy, so it should not be eaten or taken medicinally.
Children: Keep away from small children as the foliage is not edible and may cause minor digestive distress if eaten.
Contact allergens: The foliage can cause mild skin irritation in sensitive individuals.
Airborne allergens: Pollen may trigger mild allergic reactions in those sensitive to Lamiaceae plants.
Edibility: This plant is not considered edible and may cause stomach upset if ingested.

How to identify it

Wrinkled, heart shaped leaves
Yellowish green flowers in spikes
Square stems typical of mint family
Aromatic foliage when crushed

Height: 0.3 to 0.6m
Spread: 0.3 to 0.45m
Leaves: green, yellowish-green, semi-evergreen
Flowers: yellow, pale-green, 0.5 to 1cm

Problems to watch for

Powdery mildew · A white fungal growth appears on leaves during periods of high humidity and poor airflow.

By symptom

Plant problems by symptom

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Growing it

Propagation: division, cuttings, seed
When to plant: spring, autumn
Overwintering: Cut back dead stems in late winter to make room for new spring growth. Add a light layer of mulch if you live in a very cold climate.
In containers: It grows well in containers at least 30 cm wide with excellent drainage.

Division

1. Dig up the clump in spring.
2. Gently pull the root mass apart into smaller sections.
3. Replant immediately in well-draining soil.

Pair this with other woodland plants that appreciate acidic soil and dappled light.

Grows well with

Foxglove · They both thrive in similar woodland edge conditions.
Ferns · The contrasting textures look lovely in a shade garden.

Similar species

Wall germander · It is a smaller, more compact relative often used for low hedges.

Science

Family: Lamiaceae
Genus: Teucrium
Order: Lamiales
Class: Magnoliopsida
Native range: Western and Central Europe.
Conservation: This plant is common throughout its range and is not of conservation concern.

It naturally inhabits dry, acidic soils in open woodlands and heathlands where it spreads via rhizomes.

Value to wildlife: nectar source
Pollinators: bees, butterflies
Uses: ground cover, pollinator garden, rock garden

Through the year

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Flowering

Fruiting

Foliage

Ecological indicators

Salinity: 1/9
Soil reaction: 4/9
Light: 5/9
Temperature: 5/9
Moisture: 4/9
Nutrients: 3/9

Taxonomy resolved against GBIF.

Questions people ask

Is this a true sage?: No, it belongs to the same family as sage but is in the genus Teucrium.
Does it need full sun?: It prefers partial shade but will tolerate full sun if the soil stays reasonably moist.

Where the name comes from

The genus name Teucrium honors Teucer, a king of Troy, while the species name scorodonia refers to its resemblance to garlic-scented plants.

Good to know

It is commonly called wood sage because it thrives in woodland edges.
The flowers lack the upper lip typical of many other sage family members.
It is a tough, drought-tolerant plant once established.

Also in

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This guide was generated with AI on October 19, 2026 and checked against GBIF taxonomy. It is general information, not horticultural or veterinary advice. Read about how we build these guides.