It is a sub-shrub that can grow more than 1 meter high. The leaves (approximately 4-8 cm long) are at the base and are covered with dense hairs that give them a white coloration. The leaves are lancate with very narrow bases, and the margins are toothed. The inflorescence is a cluster with few flowers. The white flowers have lavender spots and streaks. The flowers are bilaterally shaped and 12-22 mm long. Both stamen and styles emerge beyond the end of the flower lobes. White sage is a common plant that requires well-drained dry soil, full sun and little water. The plant is found on dry slopes of coastal sage scrub, chaparral, and yellow pine forests from southern California to Baja California below 1,500 meters elevation.