It is native to the northern Mediterranean, along with some areas in north Africa and Central Asia.
The plant has a lengthy history as a medicinal herb, and is currently grown for its essential oil.
The distilled essential oil is used widely in perfumes and as a muscatel flavoring for vermouths, wines, and liqeuers.
It is also used in aromatherapy for relieving anxiety and fear, menstrual-related problems such as PMS and cramping, and helping with insomnia.
S. sclarea reaches 0.30 to 0.40 m in height, with square stems that are covered in hairs.
The leaves are approximately 0.30 m long at the base, 0.15 m long higher on the plant.
The upper leaf surface is rugose, and covered with glandular hairs.
The flowers are in verticils, with 2-6 flowers in each verticil, and are held in large colorful bracts that range in color from pale mauve to lilac or white to pink with a pink mark on the edge.