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Native Plant Database

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Salvia columbariae (California sage)
Bransford, W.D. and Dolphia

Salvia columbariae Benth.

California sage, Chia, Golden chia

Lamiaceae (Mint Family)

USDA Symbol: SACO6

USDA Native Status: Native to U.S.

Tiny, blue flowers are aggregated in several balls along the square stems of this 4-20 in. annual. The leaves are mostly basal, once or twice pinnate and velvety. California sage smells distinctly skunky.

Chia (pronounced chee-ah) is the common name for several Salvia species from which Indians made pinole; a meal ground from parched seeds. When steeped in water the seeds also produced a thick, mucilaginous drink.

 

From the Image Gallery

Plant Characteristics

Duration: Annual
Habit: Herb
Fruit:
Size Class: 1-3 ft.

Bloom Information

Bloom Color: Blue
Bloom Time: Mar , Apr , May , Jun

Distribution

USA: AZ , CA , NM , NV , UT
Native Distribution: S. CA to extreme s.w. UT, AZ & Sonoran Desert
Native Habitat: Open, dry, disturbed places
USDA Native Status: L48(N)

Growing Conditions

Light Requirement: Sun
Soil Moisture: Dry
Soil Description: Dry, well-drained soils.
Conditions Comments: Not Available

Value to Beneficial Insects

Special Value to Native Bees

This information was provided by the Pollinator Program at The Xerces Society for Invertebrate Conservation.

Propagation

Description: Propagate by divisions, rooted sections, or seeds.
Seed Collection: Collect the seeds as the capsules begin to dry but before they have dropped the seeds. Spread seeds in thin layers to dry a few days before storing dry in sealed, refrigerated containers.
Seed Treatment: Seed treatment varies among ecotypes. Generally dry storage and a period of stratification aids germination.
Commercially Avail: yes

Find Seed or Plants

Find seed sources for this species at the Native Seed Network.

View propagation protocol from Native Plants Network.

From the National Organizations Directory

According to the species list provided by Affiliate Organizations, this plant is either on display or available from the following:

Native Seed Network - Corvallis, OR

Recommended Species Lists

Find native plant species by state. Each list contains commercially available species suitable for gardens and planned landscapes. Once you have selected a collection, you can browse the collection or search within it using the combination search.

View Recommended Species page

Additional resources

USDA: Find Salvia columbariae in USDA Plants
FNA: Find Salvia columbariae in the Flora of North America (if available)
Google: Search Google for Salvia columbariae

Metadata

Record Modified: 2010-04-18
Research By: TWC Staff

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