Canyon Sage
Salvia lycioides
Family: Lamiaceae
Semi-evergreen subshrub goring about 1.5’ tall and wide. Purplish blue flowers in warm weather. Some hybrids exist that yield a tougher plant. Hummingbirds, butterflies, and other species use the nectar.
Grow full to part sun, moderate to regular water, hardy to 5° F.
Larval host several species of moths.
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 specific epithet, lycioides, from the Greek, is due to the plant's resemblance to Lycium.
Native to a wide area ranging from west Texas and New Mexico in the U.S., south through Mexico to the state of San Luis Potosi. It typically grows on dry limestone hills and canyons above 5,000 feet elevation.