Taxonomy

Division:

Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants

Family:

Lamiaceae

Genus:

Salvia

Species:

Salvia sonomensis

USDA Symbol:

SASO

Growth Characteristics

Life Cycle:

Perennial

Growth Habit:

Forb/herb , Subshrub

Height:

30 cm

Light Requirements:

Full Sun

Drought Tolerance:

High

Bloom Months:

apr,may,jun

Bloom Colors:

blue, purple

Ground Cover:

Yes

Lawn Substitute:

Yes

Wildlife Benefits

Bees:

★☆☆☆☆ Documented bee visitation (GBIF)

Butterflies & Moths:

★☆☆☆☆ Documented Lepidoptera association (GBIF)

Reported Fauna Sightings

Garden & Ecology Notes

Wildlife Value:

bees, butterflies

Deer Resistant:

Yes

Fragrant:

Yes

Fire Ecology:

Fire adapted — tolerates or benefits from fire

Fire Notes:

Resprouts from root crown after fire; adapted to chaparral fire regime.

Soil Requirements

Soil Type:

poor, sandy, well-drained soil

pH:

5.5 - 7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral)

Drainage:

excellent drainage required

Moisture:

dry to moderate

Notes:

native to rocky slopes and chaparral

Propagation & Germination

Stratification:

Cold/moist stratification required — 30–60 days

Germination Time:

14–30 days

Notes:

Seeds benefit from cold stratification for 30-60 days to improve germination.