Carried by 6 nurseries
View Availability at NurseryData provided by the participants of the Consortium of California Herbaria
View additional distribution information on the Jepson eflora
Desert sage (Salvia dorrii) is a herbaceous perennial or woody subshrub in the Lamiaceae (mint) family. Native to mountain areas in the western United States, it thrives in dry, well-draining soils. The narrow, grey-green leaves emit a minty aroma when handled or crushed. Its mauve to purple, spike-like flower clusters remain on the plant in dried form for several weeks or months after blooming.
This heavy-blooming sage is an excellent choice for desert or high-elevation gardens. Also known as tobacco sage, Dorr's sage, mint sage, or purple sage, it attracts insects and provides valuable color and texture to the landscape.
Shrub
1 - 3 ft Tall
24 - 36 in Wide
Upright, Spreading
Fast, Moderate
Pleasant
Blue, Purple
Spring
Bank stabilization, Deer resistant
Full Sun
Low, Moderate
Never irrigate once established
Tolerates cold to -5° F
Fast
Prefers sandy or decomposed granite soil.
Soil PH: 6 - 7.8
Prune lightly after flowering.
Propagate by dividing plants in early spring or from cuttings of new growth at anytime of the year.
Dry, rocky places
Joshua Tree Woodland, Pinyon-Juniper Woodland, Sagebrush Scrub
Yellow Bush Penstemon (Keckiella antirrhinoides), Royal Lupine (Lupinus odoratus), Bladderpod (Peritoma arborea), Joshua Tree (Yucca brevifolia)
Butterflies and moths supported
0 confirmed and 8 likely
Climbing Cutworm
Abagrotis orbis
Alfalfa Looper Moth
Autographa californica
Bilobed Looper Moth
Megalographa biloba