BLUE SAGE
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BLUE SAGE

Salvia azurea
MINT FAMILY (Lamiaceae)

Identification

  • Flowering time - July through October
  • Common in some NW prairies
  • Whorls of 2 lipped tubular flowers
  • Square stem
  • Opposite arching leaves
  • BLUE SAGE
  • BLUE SAGE
  • BLUE SAGE
Click on each photo thumbnail to enlarge.

This native perennial has a square stem from 2 to 5 feet tall. Opposite, narrow, downward curving leaves are up to 3 inches long and 1 inch wide (A,D). A series of whorls containing 2-8 light to deep blue tubular, 2-lipped flowers occur on the upper stem and branches (C). They have a smaller, hairy, hooded upper lip accompanied by the 2 stamens and a much larger, flat, broad and lobed lower lip (B).

Blue sage is found in upland prairies where it is one of our latest flowering plants, blooming from July through early October. We are located just north of its natural range which extends into southeast Nebraska. Originating from seed used in prairie restorations at Neale Woods, it has thrived and is now quite common in most of them.

Also known as Pitcher Sage and Salvia.

 

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