Salvia prunelloides Kunth

Nomenclature and Native Range

Salvia prunelloides Kunth, with synonyms including Salvia forreri and Salvia glechomifolia, is a perennial plant native to Mexico. It was formally named in 1817 by Carl Sigismund Kunth, chosen for its similarity to Prunella vulgaris.

Growth Habit

This species is a small procumbent plant with root nodules, and spreads via underground runners. Its lax stems grow less than 1 foot long.

Leaf Morphology

It bears small trowel-shaped leaves that reach up to 1.25 inches long by 0.75 inches wide, attached by a 0.5 inch petiole. When brushed, the leaves release a faint hay-like aroma.

Flowering Pattern and Inflorescence

Flowering occurs sporadically: 0.5 inch periwinkle-blue flowers grow in tight whorls at the end of the inflorescence.

Flower Structure

The flower's upper lip is small and hooded, while the lower lip is three times as long, with faint white markings that lead to the pollen inside.

Synonymy History

As of April 2024, Salvia glechomifolia is treated as a synonym of Salvia prunelloides, though it was previously described as a separate species, taller than S. prunelloides, with longer 1 inch blue-violet flowers.