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Native Plant Database

Search for native plants by scientific name, common name or family. If you are not sure what you are looking for, try the Combination Search or our Recommended Species lists.

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Salvia spathacea (Hummingbird sage)
Bransford, W.D. and Dolphia

Salvia spathacea Greene

Hummingbird sage, Pitcher sage

Lamiaceae (Mint Family)

USDA Symbol: SASP3

USDA Native Status: Native to U.S.

This perennial spreads by rhizomes and bears upright stems with several pairs of broad, quilted, light-green, aromatic leaves. The flower spikes rise above the leaves to 2-3 ft. in height and bear large, tubular, magenta-colored flowers.

As its name suggests, this plant is often visited by hummingbirds.

 

From the Image Gallery

Plant Characteristics

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

Bloom Information

Bloom Color: Pink
Bloom Time: Mar , Apr , May

Distribution

USA: CA
Native Distribution: C. & s. CA Coast Ranges
Native Habitat: Open or shaded slopes below 2000 ft.
USDA Native Status: L48(N)

Growing Conditions

Light Requirement: Part Shade
Soil Moisture: Moist
Soil Description: Various mesic to slightly moist soils.
Conditions Comments: This perennial is easy to grow and deer proof.

Propagation

Description: Propagate by divisions, rooted sections, or seed sown outdoors in fall.
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 in sealed, refrigerated containers.
Seed Treatment: No treatment is necessary.
Commercially Avail: yes

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:

Santa Barbara Botanic Garden - Santa Barbara, CA

Bibliography

Bibref 995 - Native Landscaping from El Paso to L.A. (2000) Wasowski, S. and A. Wasowski

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

Metadata

Record Modified: 2009-02-21
Research By: TWC Staff

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