Salvia azurea
(Azure Blue Sage)
Common Names and Latin Name
Pitcher sage, big blue sage, azure sage, giant blue sage, and blue sage.
Salvia azurea
Family
It is in the Lamiaceae, or mint, family.
Form
A perennial wildflower that grows to a height of about three feet.
Leaves
The leaves are opposite and may be toothed or entire. Basal leaves are absent and the upper leaves are linear to lanceolate.
Flowers
The flowers are about 2 cm in length with a large lower petal and short upper petal. The lower petal is two toothed. The flowers grow on spikelike clusters.
Habitat
It grows in flatwoods, sandhills, open pinelands, and dry forests.
Native Range
It is native to the following states: AL, AR, CO, CT, FL, GA, IA, IL, IN, KS, KY, LA, MI, MO, MS, NC, NE, NM, NY, OH, OK, SC, TN, TX, UT, and WI.
Landscape Use
In the home landscape it can be grown in dry sites that have a good deal of sand and not a lot of leaf litter.
Wildlife Uses
The flowers are a source of nectar for many pollinators including butterflies, bees, wasps and beetles. The seeds are eaten by small songbirds and squirrels.
Propagation
It is best propagated by seed, but small specimens may be transplanted with success.