I bought a plant at a local plant sale, Salvia sclarea ‘Turkestanica’. As I was researching the plant online, I saw several nurseries stating that the plant can’t be sold in Washington State. Am I right in thinking that this is an invasive species? Is it safe to plant in Seattle?
You are correct about its invasive potential. Clary sage (Salvia sclarea) is a Class A noxious weed and cannot be legally sold in Washington, since at least 2003. Eradication of Class A weeds is mandatory. I imagine that the seller was unaware of its status in Washington. Here is more information from the King County Noxious Weed Control Board.
According to the USDA’s Germplasm Resources Information Network, Salvia sclarea ‘Turkestanica’ (or turkestaniana, as it is spelled here) is a synonym for Salvia sclarea, so it would not be exempt from the weed regulations.