Clary sage keeps the world smelling fresh longer – Merry Hill, NC

Every spring, the beautiful pink and purple flowers of the clary sage plant light up the fields in Bertie and surrounding counties in North Carolina. It’s one of the few places in the world where farmers grow it.

Over 50 years ago, scientists at R.J. Reynolds discovered a chemical compound in clary sage that could help enhance fragrances. The pretty flowers do put off a strong odor that can be smelled for miles around, but the scent isn’t exactly what scientists are after.