Salvia columbariae

Native to California, Arizona & New Mexico, this annual “Chia” makes a very attractive plant, both in flower & form. To 20” tall, it makes large, globular, dark purple flower clusters that surround the stems like Salvia clevelandii. The two-lipped flowers are rather small, but are an intense deep blue. The foliage rosette is a pretty, gray-green & the leaves are quilted & deeply lobed. The edible seeds have a high-energy value & were used by Native Americans in bread concoctions & medicinally. Salvia columbariae thrives in dry, well-drained soil but also does well with average watering. Reseeds!

Annie