Salvia
ExplorePlants
Salvia
Salvia splendens
Salvia, or sage, has tall spikes of colorful flowers that dance in the breeze. They are great for attracting hummingbirds!
Habitat: Gardens and sunny spots
Appearance
The Salvia has vibrant, fiery red tubular flowers clustered tightly on tall, upright spikes, rising above deep green, slightly wrinkled leaves. Its brilliant color and distinctive upright form make it easily recognizable in gardens.
KingdomPlantaePhylumTracheophytaClassMagnoliopsidaOrderLamialesFamilyLamiaceaeGenusSalvia
Category
PlantsRarity
Common
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Snaps
Be the first to snap!
Interesting facts
Salvia flowers come in almost every rainbow color, not just red, purple, and blue!
Salvia seeds can be sticky, hitching rides on animals to spread far and wide!
Some Salvia leaves have tiny hairs that protect them from strong sun and thirsty bugs.
The name "Salvia" comes from Latin, meaning 'to heal' or 'to save'!
Special abilities
Ability
Nectar Beacon
Salvia's long, brightly colored, tubular flowers are perfectly shaped to attract hummingbirds for pollination.
Ability
Thirsty Plant Survivor
Some Salvia species can grow in dry conditions by storing water in their leaves and roots to survive hot days.
Ability
Fragrance Force Field
Many Salvia species release strong scents from their leaves, which can help deter hungry animals from nibbling.
Measurements & details
- Height
- 30-90 cm
- Spread
- 30-60 cm
- Flower Size
- 2-4 cm
- Bloom Season
- Summer
- Edible
- No
- Toxicity
- None
- Lifecycle
- Annual
- Pollination Method
- Bird
Ecological connections
pollinates
Ruby-throated Hummingbird
Archilochus colubris
sips nectar while carrying pollen between flowers
pollinates
European Honey Bee
Apis mellifera
collects nectar and pollen, aiding reproduction
pollinates
Monarch Butterfly
Danaus plexippus
visits flowers for nectar, spreading pollen around
eaten by
Cotton Aphid
Aphis gossypii
sucks sap from leaves, potentially harming the plant
Traits
Perennial
Perennial plants live for more than two years, typically returning to grow and bloom each year from their roots.
Flowering
Flowering plants are any plants that produce flowers as part of their reproductive cycle.
Tube Flower
A tube flower has petals fused together at the base, forming a distinct tubular structure that typically holds nectar deep within.
Fragrant Flower
Fragrant flowers emit a pleasant aroma, often to attract pollinators or for defense.
Pollinator Magnet
Describes plants that are particularly attractive and beneficial to a wide range of pollinating organisms.
Urban Friendly
This habitat trait indicates species that can coexist with humans in urban and suburban environments, utilizing man-made structures and green spaces.
Also known as
Scarlet Sage
Collections
Safety
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Explore with care and ask an adult if you’re unsure what to do.
Frequently Asked Questions
How tall is Salvia?
30-90 cm
How wide does Salvia spread?
30-60 cm
How big are the flowers on Salvia?
2-4 cm
When does Salvia bloom?
Summer
Is Salvia edible?
No
Is Salvia toxic?
None
What is Salvia's lifecycle?
Annual
How is Salvia pollinated?
Bird
Snap Map
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Recent Snaps
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