Taxonomy

Division:

Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants

Family:

Lamiaceae

Genus:

Salvia

Species:

Salvia carduacea

USDA Symbol:

SACA8

Growth Characteristics

Life Cycle:

Annual

Growth Habit:

Forb/herb

Height:

60 cm

Light Requirements:

Full Sun

Drought Tolerance:

High

Bloom Months:

mar,apr,may,jun

Bloom Colors:

lavender, purple, blue

Wildlife Benefits

Bees:

★☆☆☆☆ Documented bee visitation (GBIF)

Butterflies & Moths:

★☆☆☆☆ Documented Lepidoptera association (GBIF)

Reported Fauna Sightings

Garden & Ecology Notes

Wildlife Value:

bees, hummingbirds, butterflies

Deer Resistant:

Yes

Fragrant:

Yes

Fire Ecology:

Fire adapted — tolerates or benefits from fire

Fire Notes:

Native to fire-prone chaparral and desert scrub communities; resprouts from basal rosette after fire.

Soil Requirements

Soil Type:

sandy, well-drained, nutrient-poor soil

pH:

6.0 - 8.0 (neutral to slightly alkaline)

Drainage:

excellent drainage required

Moisture:

dry to moderate

Notes:

native to arid regions, prefers dry conditions

Propagation & Germination

Stratification:

None required

Germination Time:

14–30 days

Notes:

Seeds germinate best with cool temperatures (55-65°F). Light may improve germination rates.

The above propagation data sourced from Claude AI