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Lantana involucrata, commonly known as White Sage, is a low-growing evergreen shrub typically reaching 3-6 feet (1-2 m) tall. It forms a rounded, spreading shape and is often found along forest edges and open limestone areas.
Growth Form
Multi-stemmed
Dense branching habit
Woody at the base
Spreads outward as it matures
Leaves
Simple and opposite
Oval to elliptic
1-3 inches long
Slightly rough or textured
Soft green to gray-green
Aromatic when crushed
The leaves may feel lightly fuzzy and emit a herbal scent when handled.
Flowers
Small, tubular
White
Arranged in tight rounded clusters
Bloom year-round in warm climates
Attractive to butterflies and bees
The clustered flowers are one of its most recognizable features.
Fruit
Small, round drupe
The fruit is purplish pink at maturity
Habitat
Lantana involucrata grows in a broad range of habitats including Human Altered environments and coastal sand substrate Dry Broadleaf Evergreen Formation- Shrublands (coppice).
Distribution
Occurs throughout Lucayan Archipelago, Florida, the Caribbean, Mexico, as well as Central and South America.
Ecological Importance
Highly attractive to butterflies
Provides nectar for bees
Fruits feed birds
Supports native insect populations
White Sage is an important nectar source in Bahamian dry ecosystems.
Cultural Notes
Leaves sometimes used in traditional remedies
Occasionally planted in native landscaping
Often confused with non-native ornamental lantana species
Unlike the brightly colored invasive lantana varieties, Lantana involucrata is a native species adapted to Bahamian conditions. Used medicinally to treat dermatological issues such as chicken pox, itching, and stings by boiling the leaves.
L. involucrata is also used to treat lung congestion. The flowers have been used to treat high blood pressure