Purple sage (Salvia dorrii, Ill. Fl. Pacific States 3: 639 (1951))

Family: Lamiaceae

Author: (Kellogg) Abrams

Bibliography: Ill. Fl. Pacific States 3: 639 (1951)

Year: 1951

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Salvia

Vegetable: False

Observations: W. U.S.A.

Description

Purple sage, scientifically known as Salvia dorrii, is a species of flowering plant that belongs to the Lamiaceae family. This aromatic shrub is commonly found in the western United States, where it thrives in dry, rocky soils and desert climates.

The plant is notable for its distinctive purple flowers and silvery-gray foliage, which contribute both to its common name and its aesthetic appeal in gardens and natural landscapes. The blossoms of Purple sage typically emerge in late spring to early summer, attracting a variety of pollinators, including bees and butterflies.

Salvia dorrii was first described in 1951 and is chronicled in the Illustrated Flora of the Pacific States (Volume 3, page 639). The species was originally identified and classified by Kellogg but later attributed to Abrams, reflecting the collaborative efforts in botanical nomenclature and study.

The robust nature of Purple sage makes it an excellent choice for xeriscaping and other water-conserving landscaping strategies, particularly in regions that experience long periods of drought. Its ability to withstand harsh conditions is coupled with a low-maintenance profile, requiring minimal intervention once established.

In addition to its horticultural value, Purple sage holds significance in traditional uses by indigenous communities, ranging from medicinal applications to ceremonial practices. The plant’s resilient characteristics and vibrant blooms ensure that it remains a valued component of the flora in the western United States.

Common Names

Eng: purple sage
En: Purple sage, Grayball sage
Zh: 薄荷鼠尾草

Synonyms

• Audibertiella dorrii ((Kellogg) Briq.)
• Audibertia dorrii (Kellogg)
• Ramona dorrii ((Kellogg) Briq.)

Distribution

• Arizona (native)
• California (native)
• Idaho (native)
• Nevada (native)
• Oregon (native)
• Utah (native)
• Washington (native)

Additional Images

Flower

Taken Jan 22, 2022 by stephany stephanina (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 13, 2022 by Massey Sheila (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 10, 2022 by Dan Maxwell (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 24, 2019 by randa keys (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 26, 2021 by Elizabeth Shakespear (cc-by-sa)

Leaf

Taken Jun 10, 2021 by Cade Lillquist (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 10, 2022 by Dan Maxwell (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 13, 2022 by Massey Sheila (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 10, 2022 by Dan Maxwell (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Mar 14, 2013 by EOL − Gary A. Monroe (cc-by-nc)

Taken Jan 29, 2009 by EOL − Keir Morse (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Mar 28, 2005 by EOL − Brent Miller (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Mar 28, 2005 by EOL − Brent Miller (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Mar 15, 2005 by EOL − Brent Miller (cc-by-nc-sa)

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/2927059)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:226563-2)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Salvia dorrii (Kellogg) Abrams)

Specifications

Growth form>: Multiple Stem

Growth habit>: Subshrub, Shrub

Growth rate>: Moderate

Growth

Ph maximum: 8.0

Ph minimum: 6.5