About Salvia reptans Jacq.
Salvia reptans Jacq. is a widely distributed herbaceous perennial plant native to the mountains of the Trans-Pecos region in Texas, as well as to Mexico and Guatemala. It most often grows in dry stream beds and gravelly soils. This species was introduced to horticulture in the 19th century, and was previously known under the synonyms Salvia angustifolia and Salvia leptophylla—both of these names reference the plant's slender leaves. Its specific epithet 'reptans' refers to the plant's creeping growth habit. The form of Salvia reptans commonly cultivated in gardens is unusual because it produces numerous lax or decumbent stems. The other form, which is native to western Texas, grows upright to a height of 3 feet. A variety, S. reptans var. glabra, also grows wild in Texas. In horticultural settings, Salvia reptans can reach 3 feet wide or larger, with abundant thin, black stems. These stems can form a groundcover. The narrow mistletoe-green leaves are sparse. Its 0.5-inch flowers have blue corollas held in dark calyces.
