This native perennial has a square stem from 2 to 5 feet tall. The opposite, narrow, downward curving leaves are up to 3 inches long and 1 inch wide (A). 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 larger, flat, broad and lobed lower lip (B). This plant with its abundant, distinctive 2-lipped blue flowers would be hard to confuse with any of our other late summer species.
Grows in upland prairies. It is one of our latest flowering prairie plants, blooming from July through early October. We are located just north of its natural range which extends into southeast Nebraska. Our plants originated from seed used in prairie restorations. At Neale Woods, Blue Sage is common in Knull and Jonas Prairies.
Also known as Pitcher Sage and Salvia.
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