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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)
Wasowski, Sally and Andy

Salvia spathacea

Salvia spathacea Greene

Hummingbird Sage, Pitcher Sage

Lamiaceae (Mint Family)

Synonym(s):

USDA Symbol: SASP3

USDA Native Status: L48 (N)

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

9 photo(s) available in the Image Gallery

Plant Characteristics

Duration: Perennial
Habit: Herb
Size Notes: Up to about 3 feet tall.
Fruit: Nutlets.

Bloom Information

Bloom Color: Red , Pink
Bloom Time: Feb , Mar , Apr , May , Jun , Jul , Aug

Distribution

USA: CA
Native Distribution: C. & s. CA Coast Ranges
Native Habitat: Open or shaded slopes below 2000 ft.

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 on display at the following locations:

Santa Barbara Botanic Garden - Santa Barbara, CA

Bibliography

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

Search More Titles in Bibliography

Web Reference

Webref 30 - Calflora (2018) Calflora
Webref 37 - Calscape (2019) California Native Plant Society
Webref 23 - Southwest Environmental Information Network (2009) SEINet - Arizona Chapter

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: 2023-02-27
Research By: TWC Staff

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