Pineapple Sage
Salvia elegans
Family: Lamiaceae
Evergreen, aromatic, tropical perennial growing to 3-5’ tall and wide if unpruned and protected from frost, usually smaller in the low desert. Foliage smells like pineapple! Red, tubular flowers most heavily in fall, but can bloom almost any time of year if not frosted. Cut back
Best in part sun in the low desert avoiding afternoon and reflected heat. Regular water and amended soil. Although the plant is tropical, it can come back from cold damage as low as 15°F.
Hummingbirds, butterflies, and other species use the nectar. Probably larval host to similar species as other salvias.
The leaves and flowers are eaten, usually just added raw to salads. Used to garnish foods, added as a flavoring in baking and to make teas. It has a history of being used in its native range in Mexico as a remedy for anxiety and to lower blood pressure.
There are 1045 species of Salvia all over the world. The genus name, salvia, comes from the Latin word salvia, which is related to the Latin words salvus (safe, healthy, secure) and salvēre (to heal, to feel healthy). The name refers to the medicinal properties of some plants in the genus. The species name, elegans, means elegant.
Native to Mexico and Guatemala where it is typically found growing in large naturalized clumps at woodland peripheries in the Sierra Madre from 6,000 to 9,000 ft.