Images
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Morphology
- Stem
- Erect, 1 to several, slender, 4-sided, simple or branched above, mostly short grayish-pubescent.
- Leaves
- Opposite, simple, short-stalked, lanceolate to linear-lanceolate, 1 to 3 inches long, to 1 inch wide, variously pubescent; margins toothed to nearly entire; tips pointed; lower leaves usually absent at flowering.
- Inflorescence
- Spike-like, long, interrupted, with 2-8 flowered clusters, terminal.
- Flower
- Calyces short-hairy, bluish; corollas 2-lipped, 1/2 to 1 inch long, blue or rarely white; upper lip short, surface densely hairy; lower lip 3-lobed, longer than upper lip; stamens 2, hidden in upper lip.
- Fruit
- 1-2 nutlets, small, resin-dotted, brown, each 1-seeded.
Ecology
- Habitat
- Dry, open, rocky or sandy prairies, pastures, and roadsides.
- Distribution
- East 4/5 of Kansas.
Practical Information
- Forage Value
- Pitcher sage is palatable and nutritious for livestock.
Additional Notes
Comments
The name Pitcher sage honors Dr. Zina Pitcher, a U.S. Army surgeon and botanist. The roots can descend 6-8 feet.
Synonyms
Alternative scientific names that have been used for this plant.
Scientific Name: Salvia pitcheri
Full Citation: Salvia pitcheri Nutt.
Quick Facts
- Plant Type
- Wildflower
- Family
- Lamiaceae - Mint Family
- Life Span
- Perennial
- Height
- 2-5 feet
- Last Updated
- 2021-02-20
Color Groups
Blue, Purple, Lavender & Violet Wildflowers
Flowering Period
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Blooms: July, August, September, October