Perovskia atriplicifolia, commonly called Russian sage, is a flowering herbaceous perennial plant and subshrub. Although not a member of the genus of the common sage, it is closely related. It typically reaches 0.5–1.2 m (1 ft 8 in–3 ft 11 in) tall, with square stems and gray-green leaves that yield a distinctive odor when crushed, but it is best known for its blue or violet blossoms arranged in showy, branched panicles. Native to the steppes and hills of southwestern and central Asia, it was introduced to cultivation by Vasily Perovsky in the 19th century. Several cultivars have been developed; 'Blue Spire' is the most common. The species has a long history of use in its native range in traditional medicine, for a variety of ailments. Its flowers can be eaten in salads or crushed for dyemaking. P. atriplicifolia was the Perennial Plant Association's 1995 Plant of the Year, and the 'Blue Spire' cultivar received the Award of Garden Merit from the Royal Horticultural Society.

Read more: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Perovskia_atriplicifolia

_______________________________ Today's selected anniversaries:

1665:

The London Gazette, the oldest surviving English-language newspaper, was first published as the Oxford Gazette. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_London_Gazette

1775:

Lord Dunmore, the royal governor of the British Colony of Virginia, signed a proclamation promising freedom for slaves of Patriots if they joined the British Armed Forces. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dunmore%27s_Proclamation

1917:

Vladimir Lenin led a Bolshevik insurrection against the Provisional Government of Alexander Kerensky, starting the Bolshevik Revolution. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/October_Revolution

1987:

Singapore's first Mass Rapid Transit line was opened, starting with train services between Yio Chu Kang and Toa Payoh stations. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mass_Rapid_Transit_(Singapore)

2000:

Hillary Clinton was elected as a Senator, becoming the first First Lady to win public office in the United States. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hillary_Clinton

_____________________________ Wiktionary's word of the day:

addling: Causing fertilised eggs to lose viability, by killing the developing embryo within through shaking, piercing, freezing or oiling, without breaking the shell. https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/addling

___________________________ Wikiquote quote of the day:

Nothing in life is to be feared, it is only to be understood. Now is the time to understand more, so that we may fear less.   --Marie Curie https://en.wikiquote.org/wiki/Marie_Curie