Family: Lamiaceae
Author: Kunth
Bibliography: F.W.H.von Humboldt, A.J.A.Bonpland & C.S.Kunth, Nov. Gen. Sp. 2: 294 (1818)
Year: 1818
Status: accepted
Rank: species
Genus: Salvia
Vegetable: False
Observations: Arizona to Guatemala
Description
Baby sage, known scientifically as Salvia microphylla, is a fragrant and vibrant member of the Lamiaceae family. This perennial herb has enraptured botanists and plant enthusiasts alike with its delicate, brightly-colored flowers and aromatic foliage.
First classified in 1818 by the renowned botanists F.W.H. von Humboldt, A.J.A. Bonpland, and C.S. Kunth, Baby sage has a rich history in the world of botany. Its inclusion in the “Nov. Gen. Sp. 2: 294” publication stands as a testament to its importance and appeal. The plant is predominantly found in a range stretching from Arizona in the United States all the way to Guatemala in Central America. This extensive distribution showcases its adaptability to various climates and terrains.
The Baby sage is notable for its small, ovate leaves and vibrant blooms which can range in color from deep reds to purples. These flowers often appear throughout the growing season, attracting a variety of pollinators including bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. The foliage, when crushed, emits a pleasant, sage-like aroma, which is characteristic of many members in the Lamiaceae family.
Gardeners and horticulturists appreciate Baby sage for its resilience and relatively low maintenance. It thrives in well-drained soils and can tolerate both full sun and partial shade, making it a versatile addition to gardens and landscapes. Additionally, the plant’s drought tolerance makes it an excellent choice for xeriscaping and other water-conscious gardening practices.
Beyond its horticultural appeal, Salvia microphylla also holds cultural significance in various regions where it is native. It has been traditionally used in some indigenous cultures for its medicinal properties, particularly as a natural remedy for colds and respiratory ailments, which further underscores the plant’s multifaceted value.
Overall, Baby sage is a plant of both beauty and utility, embodying the richness of biodiversity within the Lamiaceae family. Its captivating flowers, aromatic foliage, and adaptability make it a cherished species from Arizona to Guatemala.
Common Names
Eng: baby sage, blackcurrant sage, graham’s sage
Fra: sauge à petites feuilles
Por: erva-dos-rapazinhos
Swe: svartvinbärssalvia
En: Baby sage, Blackcurrant Sage, Graham’s Sage
Ca: Sàlvia de fulla petita, Sàlvia microfil·la
Nl: Mirt-Salie
Fr: Sauge à petites feuilles
De: Johannisbeer-Salbei
Fa: سالویا میکروفیلا
Pt: Melhoral, Erva-dos-rapazinhos
Sv: Svartvinbärssalvia
Synonyms
- Salvia microphylla var. neurepia ((Fernald) Epling)
- Salvia neurepia (Fernald)
- Salvia odoratissima (Sessé & Moc.)
- Lasemia coccinea (Raf.)
- Lesemia coccinea (Raf.)
- Salvia microphylla var. canescens (A.Gray)
- Salvia gasterantha (Briq.)
- Salvia obtusa (M.Martens & Galeotti)
- Salvia lemmonii (A.Gray)
- Salvia microphylla var. wislizeni (A.Gray)
- Salvia grahamii (Benth.)
Distribution
- Arizona (native)
- Guatemala (native)
- Mexico Central (native)
- Mexico Gulf (native)
- Mexico Northeast (native)
- Mexico Northwest (native)
- Mexico Southeast (native)
- Mexico Southwest (native)
- Argentina Northeast (introduced)
- Argentina Northwest (introduced)
- Greece (introduced)
- Morocco (introduced)
- New Zealand North (introduced)
- Portugal (introduced)
- Spain (introduced)
- Texas (introduced)
- Tunisia (introduced)
- Uruguay (introduced)
Additional Images
Leaf
Taken Jun 28, 2021 by Alain Bigou (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 5, 2020 by Gros Martin (cc-by-sa)
Taken Aug 22, 2017 by Fejul Xeto (cc-by-sa)
Taken Dec 8, 2021 by Fabrice Rubio (cc-by-sa)
Taken Nov 26, 2021 by B.P. Mar (cc-by-sa)
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
Habit
Taken Oct 18, 2021 by Miguel A. C. (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 28, 2021 by Alain Bigou (cc-by-sa)
Taken Oct 29, 2022 by Fabrice Rubio (cc-by-sa)
Taken Dec 8, 2021 by Fabrice Rubio (cc-by-sa)
Taken Nov 26, 2021 by B.P. Mar (cc-by-sa)
Flower
Taken Apr 20, 2017 by 1 (cc-by-sa)
Taken Mar 27, 2017 by jose (cc-by-sa)
Taken Feb 11, 2019 by Randy Huey (cc-by-sa)
Taken Sep 13, 2017 by Caroline Champigny (cc-by-sa)
Taken Apr 20, 2017 by 1 (cc-by-sa)
Bark
Taken Nov 5, 2022 by Fabrice Rubio (cc-by-sa)
Taken Nov 14, 2022 by Caw Vus (cc-by-sa)
Taken Oct 27, 2021 by Dieter Albrecht (cc-by-sa)
Taken Oct 14, 2022 by Fabrice Rubio (cc-by-sa)
Taken Nov 19, 2022 by Maarten Vanhove (cc-by-sa)
Other
Taken Mar 11, 2020 by gonzalez soto sandra (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 3, 2020 by Alain Bigou (cc-by-sa)
Taken Oct 24, 2022 by Irmgard Groß (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 23, 2020 by Thierry LE COM (cc-by-sa)
Taken Nov 26, 2022 by Annie G (cc-by-sa)
Fruit
Taken May 30, 2021 by Regis Granger (cc-by-sa)
Taken Oct 25, 2022 by thomas guinebert (cc-by-sa)
Taken Oct 25, 2022 by thomas guinebert (cc-by-sa)
Taken Oct 23, 2022 by Manou (cc-by-sa)
Taken Oct 16, 2021 by SASTRE Isern (cc-by-sa)
Sources
- WFO (No URL)
- IPNI (No URL)
- GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/2927045)
- POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:30146334-2)
- PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Salvia microphylla Kunth)
Specifications
Growth habit>: Subshrub, Shrub