Family: Lamiaceae
Author: Vahl
Bibliography: Enum. Pl. Obs. 1: 238 (1804)
Year: 1804
Status: accepted
Rank: species
Genus: Salvia
Vegetable: False
Observations: Mexico
Description
Pineapple sage, scientifically known as Salvia elegans, is an aromatic and visually striking herbaceous perennial that originates from Mexico. Belonging to the Lamiaceae family, this plant has garnered attention since its formal identification by Vahl in 1804 in his work “Enumeratio Plantarum.”
Renowned for its stunning red tubular flowers, Pineapple sage blooms predominantly in the late summer to autumn months, bringing a splash of vibrant color to gardens. The flowers not only serve an aesthetic purpose but also attract a variety of pollinators, including hummingbirds and butterflies, making it a favorite among gardeners who aim to support local wildlife.
One of the key features that distinguish Pineapple sage is its delightful fragrance. The leaves, when crushed, emit a sweet, pineapple-like aroma, which is not only enjoyable but also adds a sensory dimension to gardens and landscapes. This characteristic scent has made the plant popular for use in culinary applications. The leaves are frequently used to impart a unique flavor to teas, desserts, and savory dishes.
In terms of cultivation, Salvia elegans is relatively easy to grow, thriving best in well-drained soil with ample sunlight. It can tolerate partial shade but achieves its most prolific growth and flowering in full sun. The plant is also drought-tolerant once established, making it suitable for xeriscaping and low-water garden schemes.
Moreover, Pineapple sage has been employed in traditional medicine within its native range. Various parts of the plant have been used to prepare herbal remedies believed to possess medicinal properties, such as aiding digestion and reducing anxiety.
Overall, Pineapple sage is not just a beautiful addition to the garden but also a versatile herb that adds flavor to cuisine and potential benefits to health and wellness practices. Whether cultivated for its vibrant flowers, aromatic leaves, or both, Salvia elegans remains a cherished plant with a rich history and multifaceted uses.
Common Names
Dan: ananas-salvie
Eng: pineapple sage, pineapple-scented sage
Swe: ananassalvia
Nno: ananassalvie
Nob: ananassalvie
En: Pineapple sage, Pineapple-scented sage
Ar: قصعين أنيق
Cs: Šalvěj skvostná
Da: Ananas-Salvie
Nl: Ananassalie
Fi: Ananassalvia
De: Honigmelonen-Salbei
He: מרווה נאה
Nb: Ananassalvie
Nn: Ananassalvie
Fa: مریمگلی الگانس
Sv: Ananassalvia
Synonyms
- Salvia camertonii (Regel)
- Salvia microculis (Poir.)
- Salvia elegans var. sonorensis (Fernald)
- Salvia rutilans (Carrière)
- Salvia microcalyx (Scheele)
- Salvia punicea (M.Martens & Galeotti)
Distribution
- Mexico Central (native)
- Mexico Gulf (native)
- Mexico Northeast (native)
- Mexico Northwest (native)
- Mexico Southwest (native)
Additional Images
Leaf
Taken Nov 12, 2021 by Ph S (cc-by-sa)
Taken Oct 24, 2022 by Tristan Jaton-Maria (cc-by-sa)
Taken Nov 10, 2021 by Pieter Verbrugghe (cc-by-sa)
Taken Aug 12, 2021 by Deb Wilder (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 31, 2020 by Megann Bennett (cc-by-sa)
Flower
Taken Nov 12, 2021 by Ph S (cc-by-sa)
Taken Nov 15, 2022 by Audrey gema (cc-by-sa)
Taken Oct 24, 2022 by Tristan Jaton-Maria (cc-by-sa)
Taken Nov 10, 2021 by Pieter Verbrugghe (cc-by-sa)
Taken Mar 5, 2022 by witt1 (cc-by-sa)
Bark
Taken Oct 27, 2021 by Michael Visser (cc-by-sa)
Taken Sep 24, 2021 by Regis Labrosse (cc-by-sa)
Taken Oct 9, 2022 by J J Tamssom (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 30, 2022 by Logan Rovoletto (cc-by-sa)
Taken Oct 24, 2022 by Tristan Jaton-Maria (cc-by-sa)
Other
Taken Oct 19, 2022 by Ya Eric (cc-by-sa)
Taken Oct 24, 2022 by Tristan Jaton-Maria (cc-by-sa)
Habit
Taken Oct 26, 2019 by Didier EYCHENNE (cc-by-sa)
Taken Oct 19, 2022 by Ya Eric (cc-by-sa)
Taken Aug 30, 2021 by Vince J (cc-by-sa)
Taken Oct 31, 2022 by pat chap (cc-by-sa)
Taken Aug 20, 2022 by Anatas (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.
Sources
- WFO (No URL)
- IPNI (No URL)
- GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/6412418)
- POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:456162-1)
- PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Salvia elegans Vahl)