Salvia virgata Jacq.

Nomenclature and Native Range

Salvia virgata Jacq., commonly known as wand sage or southern meadow sage, is a perennial flowering plant native to Asia and southeastern Europe.

Legal Classification Status

It is classified as a noxious weed in many regions worldwide.

Taxonomic Placement Notes

Some taxonomic classifications include this species within Salvia pratensis.

Flower Characteristics

Its flowers grow in whorls of 4 to 6, with a blue-violet corolla that is 1 to 2 centimetres (0.39 to 0.79 inches) long; white corollas occur rarely.

Upper Leaf Morphology

The leaves are shaped ovate to oblong, with a dull green upper surface.

Lower Leaf Morphology

The underside of the leaves is covered in glands and thick hairs.