About Salvia ballotiflora Benth.
Commonly called shrubby blue sage, Salvia ballotiflora Benth. is a shrub that reaches 1.2 to 1.8 meters (3.9 to 5.9 feet) in height, with a spread equal to half its height. Its leaves are ovate, 1.5 to 3.8 centimeters (0.59 to 1.50 inches) long, and have either serrated or wavy edges. Trichomes grow on both the upper and lower surfaces of the leaves, giving them a rough texture. It produces abundant light blue to purple flowers that are less than 1.3 centimeters (0.51 inches) long, with blooming occurring from April to October. This species is native to the Edwards Plateau and Tamaulipan mezquital regions of southern and western Texas. In Mexico, it can be found in the states of Coahuila, Durango, Hidalgo, Nuevo León, and Zacatecas. It grows best in alkaline soils, such as the soils found in limestone canyons. The leaves of shrubby blue sage are used to add flavor to foods. It is also grown as an ornamental plant for its colorful blooms.
