Scientific Family
Lamiaceae
Plant type
Forbs and Subshrubs
Origin
Native
Lifecycle
Annual
Similar species
Salvia reflexa
Height
To 20 inches
Riparian
No
This wildflower blooms after the summer monsoon rains have begun. The plants are slender and easily overlooked unless blooming. The crushed foliage has a skunky smell.
Upper lip of corolla helmet shaped, stamens included under the upper lip and barely extending beyond the corolla and glandular leaves and flowers distinguish this species from other
Salvia sp.
Habitat
Typically found growing in sandy areas near roadsides and on lower plains and mesas.
Plant Community
Pinyon Juniper Woodlands
Montane Conifer Forest
Interior Chaparral
Grasslands
Disturbed Areas
Desert Scrub
Low elevation
3500
High elevation
7500
Flower Characteristics
The summer and early fall flowers are in an elongated cluster, either solitary or in whorls of 2 or 3 around the stem. They have white markings on the lower lip.
Flower color
White, blue to deep purple
Flower shape
Irregular
Tubular
Yes
First bloom month
August
Last bloom month
September
Flower clusters
Elongated
Leaf and Stem Characteristics
Oblong or narrowly lance-shaped with a pointed tip. The stems are upright, green to dark purple in color, and square in cross section.
Leaf type
Simple
Leaf color
Green
Leaf shape
Narrow
Leaf margin
Toothed
Leaves clasp
No
Leaf hairs
Leaves & stems
Spines
No
Fruit and Seed Characteristics
Green to dark purple fruiting calyx dries to brown and contains tan-colored nutlets.
Fruit type
Nutlet
Fruit color
Brown