salvia

Any of about 900 species of herbaceous and woody plants that make up the genus , in the mint family. Some members (e.g., sage) are important as sources of flavouring. Easy to propagate, transplant, and grow in poor soil and drought conditions, salvias are a garden staple. Best-known is the 1–3-ft (30–90-cm) annual scarlet sage () from Brazil, whose blazing spikes contrast with dark green, oval leaves from midsummer to frost. Blue sage (), of southwestern North America, is a favourite in dried winter bouquets.

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