Taxon

Salvia azurea

 
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Salvia azurea - azure blue sage, blue sage, pitcher sage
Image: Janice Tucker
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Common name: azure blue sage, blue sage, pitcher sage
Family: Lamiaceae (Mint)
Synonym: Salvia azurea var. grandiflora
Distribution: Central and Southeastern United States
Habitat: Grasslands, open woodlands
Hardiness: USDA Zone 4 (-30 to -20 °F)
Life form: Herbaceous perennial
Occurrence in New Mexico: New Mexico native plant
Growing Conditions: The range of this widespread native of the midwestern grasslands extends as far north as Nebraska and Minnesota and throughout the southeast to the Carolinas and Florida. It is not clear if reports in scattered locations in north-central and northeastern states and in Utah represent escapes from cultivation. It grows in widely scattered locations on the plains and prairies of New Mexico. Although it grows in full sun in prairies, meadows and pastures throughout its range, it also can be found in part shade in woodland openings and forest edges. It grows in sand, loam, clay, gravelly, and calcareous soils. Good drainage is important. It requires only a low amount of water and is drought tolerant, but blooms best with regular moisture. If grown with too much water or shade in nutrient-rich soil, blue sage tends to become floppy. Plants can be cut back in late spring to shape, and should be cut back after flowering. It can be mowed periodically if grown in grass. Deadheading flowers prolongs the bloom period.
Description: Blue sage grows into a clump of usually unbranched stems 2½-5 feet tall from a large taproot. The grayish-green leaves are paired along the stiff, square, ridged, and slightly hairy stems. The lower leaves are oblong or lance-shaped up to 5 inches long and 1½ inches wide, with smooth margins, whereas the upper leaves are narrowly linear (¾ inch wide) and may have toothed margins towards their tips. The foliage has a sage scent. Spike-like clusters (up to 1 foot long) of pale to dark blue flowers with lighter throats whorl around the ends of the stems from mid- to late summer. Only a few flowers are in bloom at the same time. The unscented flowers are up to ¾ inch long, tubular with 2 lips, with the lower lip 3-lobed, middle lobe enlarged and wide, and the upper lip reduced.
Links: SEINet • Wildflower Center - Native Plant Database

Locations

Cluster Area Area
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