There are a great number of sages but I will list only three that I collect on a regular basis.  We use only the first two for smudging:  White (Grandfather) Sage and Mountain (Bearpaw) Sage.  The Bear Sage is used for a light tea (for healing, such as breathing problems, such as pneumonia, bronchitis, and lung problems) but the Bears use it for their ceremonies ~ it helps keep them focused ~ unfortunately not all Bears are aware of it or they use other medicines ~ but that's another story.
Sage Information
An Answer to a Question
One is what I call Mountain Sage or better yet 'Bearpaw Sage" ~ because it has three fingers on it at the top (and yes, I know that Bears have 5 fingers/claws ~ and they are sharp, too).  I don't know why I call it that, but I've done so since I was a little lady.
This is a close~up
This is how it grows in the wild
This one is in a nursery ~ they do not grow like this in the hills.and cultivated sage does not have the same strong sweet aroma as in the wild
This is a single plant growing in the wild
This is what some call River (Water) Sage, Mugwort, or what we Bears call Bear Sage.  In some areas, when they haven't been harvested and are protected, they grow quite tall ~ to about 4 or 5 feet tall.
You probably know this, but it's my responsibility as a Gatekeeper to the West aka: Granmother Bear ~ to CYA:  When you harvest, always try and take the ones from the bottom since they are usually the older branches and harvest only a few from each plant ~~ Leave it as though you have not been there.  This will help them grow for the next season and also leave some for the next harvester.  Never pull on them, as they will tear and you may wind up pulling out the plant or destroying it.

Before you harvest any living thing (which is everything), always offer a pinch of tobacco (water or strands of hair, etc., if you don't have tobacco with you, but you should make it a point to have some when you go to harvest) to the largest plant (usually the Mother/Grandmother of all of the offspring nearby) thanking the Creator and the plant for its gift and explain what you are about to do, in acknowledgement of their sacrifice.  PLEASE, DO NOT take from that plant ~~ only from the surrounding other plants.  It is advisable to take with you a container to put your clippings in and leave the area as if you were never there, being ever so careful not to step on any plants nearby.  You would think that everybody knows that, but I've seen smashed plants and uprooted plants and even baby sprouts taken, which is a very big no~no.

It is best to go with someone else because of our creepy crawlies that live around these plants which are not always happy that you are there.... hehehe... it would be advisable to wear boots to protect your ankles from snake bites, etc., and you may need assistance coming down or going up the hill.

Happy harvesting ~~~~~
It is good that you ask.  Should you ever visit out here in California, we'd be happy to show you where to harvest and enjoy our country side.  I hope this isn't too much information.
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