Can Texas Sage Predict Coming Rain? You Be the Judge

Those of you familiar with the story of Moses have heard of the burning bush, but have you also heard tell of the bush that predicts precipitation? This sage and profound plant actually goes by its first title – sage. Texas sage not only looks beautiful, but it’s close to earning its degree in meteorology. It tells you when it may rain!

Photo: Wikimedia

A drought-tolerant, evergreen shrub, this pretty, silver-leafed bush can bloom tubular-shaped blossoms that are a bold purple in color. It can grow up to 8 feet in height and 6 feet in width. Native to the Lone Star State, the shrub can bear traditionally poor soil that leans more toward being alkaline. It flourishes in full sun but has been known to withstand partial shade. Note that it certainly can’t handle wet soil. However, of all the glowing facets of this beautiful shrub, some might say that the most appealing is the concept it can predict when rain is on its way. Fans of the species have stated that it blossoms just a few days prior to rainfall. Subsequently, it’s been given the nickname “barometer bush.”

Photo: Wikimedia

The detail behind the matter, however, is that while Texas sage tends to blossom a couple days before precipitation occurs, it really blooms when the conditions are optimal for rain. Actual rainfall may not occur, but the plant is sensitive to changes in barometric pressure and humidity, and therefore it blossoms. That being said, this doesn’t mean you should scrap any plans of planting a cool bush that has the potential to predict rain. It simply means you have the opportunity to make room for a native Texas species in your full-sun garden that blooms lovely flowers when it feels a change in the weather coming on… kind of like witching for water with the added bonus of seeing something gorgeous in the process. It’s a win-win!