Salvia urticifolia Plant Identification (Flower, Leaf, Care, Uses)

Salvia urticifolia L. – Nettleleaf Sage

Salvia urticifolia plant

FamilyLamiaceae

Stems:

Salvia urticifolia stem

Leaves:

Salvia urticifolia leaves

Inflorescence:

Salvia urticifolia inflorescence

Flowers:

Salvia urticifolia flowers

Salvia urticifolia calyxCalyx.

Flowering – April – June.

Habitat – Rocky woodlands, hammocks; most commonly on basic soils.

Origin – Native to North America.

Other information – This attractive species can be found in the northern half of Alabama. The plant is easy to identify becasue of its habitat, pubescent stems, abruptly cuneate leaves, and dark blue flowers.
The genus name Salvia derives from the Latin “salvi(a)” and is the classical Latin name for sage.
The species epithet urticifolia derives from the Latin “urtic(a)” meaning “a nettle” and “foli(a)” meaning “a leaf” referring to the nettle-like leaves of this species.

Alabama Distribution:

Salvia urticifolia map

Photographs taken at Bibb County Glades, AL., 5-1-05.

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