About Salvia polystachia Cav.
Growth Form and Height
Salvia polystachia Cav. is an annual plant that can reach a height of 3 to 9 feet (1 to 3 meters) within one growing season.
Stem Characteristics and Habitat Preference
Its stems become very brittle as it matures, so it prefers growing in the shelter provided by other nearby plants.
Blooming Period
The plant blooms in late summer or early fall.
Flower Size and Coloration
Its individual flowers measure 0.5 inches (13 mm) across, with violet-blue coloring along the petal edges that fades to white toward the flower center.
Inflorescence Structure and Etymology
The plant produces many short, slender spikes, each holding dense whorls (verticils) of tightly packed flowers; this characteristic gives the species its specific epithet polystachia.
Leaf Characteristics
Its leaves are yellow-green, measuring 1 inch (2.5 cm) in both length and width, and they grow in small clusters along the stems.
