Salvia dorrii
Also called:
Purple Sage
Desert Sage
Botanical Description
Plant Family:
Lamiaceae
Evergreen
Small Shrub (usually < 1.5' and not >3')
Oregon Native?
Yes
West State Native?
Yes
It is native to mountain areas in the western United States and northwestern Arizona, found mainly in the Great Basin Range habitat and southward to the Mojave Desert, growing in dry, well draining soils
Pat Kolling
Flower:
Purple
Blooms from :
May
to:
Jul
Showy terminal clusters blue to purple
Foliage:
Other
Aromatic foliage; leaves are opposite, oval, widest at tip and taper to the stem. They have a smooth margin, and silver grey.
Site Selection
Minimum USDA Hardiness Zone:
5
Water Needs:
L
Sun Needs:
Full Sun
Deer Resistant?
Yes
Firewise?
No
Height:
8-32"
Spread:
2-3'
Growth Rate:
Medium
Native Habitat:
Dry, open scabland & sagebrush areas
Soil Needs
Sandy, rocky, or limestone soil
Fertilizer Needs:
Low fertility soil
Recommended Mulch:
In colder USDA zones (zone 6 and below) it is essential to give Native Southwestern and Southwestern hybrids protection from the extreme cold their first couple winters in the garden. Mound up pine needles or fallen autumn leaves over and around the base
Wildlife Uses
Attracts Pollinators?
Yes
Attracts Birds?
Yes
Supports Butterflies?
Yes
Wildlife use description:
Purple sage is undesirable as forage to both livestock and wildlife. Attracts hummingbirds