Salvia columbariae (Chia Sage)

Widespread throughout southern California to Mexico, Salvia columbariae (Chia Sage) is a stunning annual boasting one or more round clusters packed with tiny, vivid-blue flowers in early spring to early summer. Borne along strongly vertical, square stems, each cluster contains one dozen to several dozens of two-lipped flowers. Usually, only a small number of flowers are in bloom at any one time, so the most visible components of the cluster are the contrasting purple calyces. The blossoms are very attractive to bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. The foliage is mostly basal, pinnately divided into narrow lobes, and covered with short bristly hairs. The flowers give way to tiny, nutritious oil-rich seeds. Once an important food for Native Americans, the seeds (Chia) were ground into meal and mixed with water to make mush. Recently rediscovered, Chia has become very popular as an extremely high source of omega-3 fatty acids. Found on fast-draining gravel slopes, Chia Sage thrives in fast-draining rock gardens conditions.

• Grows up to 4-18 in. tall (10-45 cm) and 10-12 in. wide (25-30 cm).
• Thrives in full sun in sandy, well-drained soils. Tolerant to clay soils. Though it is very drought tolerant, it accepts summer water well.
• No serious pest and disease issues.
• Perfect for wildflower gardens, cottage gardens, Mediterranean gardens, rock gardens, and butterfly gardens.
• Remove flower spikes as they fade to prolong flowering.
• Propagate by division, rooted sections, or seed.
• Native to California, Nevada, Arizona, New Mexico, Sonora, and Baja California.