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Salvia sonomensis
Salvia sonomensis Greene
Creeping Sage
Lamiaceae (Mint Family)
Synonym(s):
USDA Symbol: SASO
USDA Native Status: L48 (N)
A creeping, flat perennial that can spread to 10 ft. across. The usually blue-violet flowers occur in 6-16 in. spikes on leafless stems above the matted, gray-green foliage.
From the Image Gallery
Plant Characteristics
Duration: PerennialHabit: Herb
Size Notes: Up to about 16 inches tall.
Fruit: Nutlets.
Bloom Information
Bloom Color: White , Blue , Purple , VioletBloom Time: Mar , Apr , May , Jun , Jul , Aug
Bloom Notes: Blue to violet to lilac to purple, sometimes white.
Distribution
USA: CANative Distribution: CA Sierra foothills from Shasta to Calaveras Cos.; Coast Ranges from Siskiyou to San Diego Cos.
Native Habitat: Dry, rocky slopes below 6500 ft.
Growing Conditions
Light Requirement: SunSoil Moisture: Dry
Soil Description: Poor, well-drained soils.
Conditions Comments: A useful and attractive, but temperamental, ground cover. Plant will rot if over-watered or in poorly drained soil.
Value to Beneficial Insects
Special Value to Native BeesThis 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 in sealed, refrigerated containers.
Seed Treatment: A gibberellic acid soak or 3 month, cold-moist stratification is required.
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:Naval Air Station Kingsville - Kingsville, TX
Santa Barbara Botanic Garden - Santa Barbara, CA
Bibliography
Bibref 995 - Native Landscaping from El Paso to L.A. (2000) Wasowski, S. and A. WasowskiSearch More Titles in Bibliography
Web Reference
Webref 30 - Calflora (2018) CalfloraWebref 37 - Calscape (2019) California Native Plant Society
Webref 23 - Southwest Environmental Information Network (2009) SEINet - Arizona Chapter
Additional resources
USDA: Find Salvia sonomensis in USDA PlantsFNA: Find Salvia sonomensis in the Flora of North America (if available)
Google: Search Google for Salvia sonomensis
Metadata
Record Modified: 2023-02-27Research By: TWC Staff