How to identify Silver sage (Salvia argentea)

Photo By Santiago Martín-Bravo , used under CC-BY /Cropped and compressed from original

How to identify Silver sage (Salvia argentea)

Silver sage is distinguished by its impressive silver-grey foliage, with its large leaves reaching up to 8-15 inches (20-38 cm) in length and 6 inches (15 cm) across. These leaves are lobed and covered in a dense layer of fuzz. At maturity, silver sage develops a striking candelabra-shaped flower spike standing 2-3 feet (60-90 cm) tall, adorned with white flowers accented with hues of yellow or pink. The intricate blooms are arranged in tiered whorls, enhancing the decorative aspect of the plant.

Lifespan: Perennial, Biennial, Annual

Plant Type: Herb

Leaf Type: Deciduous

Quickly Identify Silver sage

Silver-grey velvety foliage up to 15 inches (38 cm) long and 6 inches (15 cm) wide.

Candelabra-shaped flower spike 2-3 feet (60-90 cm) tall with white blooms tinged with yellow or pink.

Distinctive flowers in whorls, tubular and hooded, attracting pollinators with unique structure.

Rosette leaves with downy, felt-like texture, wrinkled surface, and silver-green color.

Whorled flower arrangement on tall stems, visually appealing during blooming season.

Detailed Traits of Silver sage

Leaf Features

The leaves of silver sage are large, reaching up to 8 inches (20 cm) in length and 6 inches (15 cm) in width, forming a rosette. They are distinguished by their downy, felt-like texture, giving a soft and velvety feel. The leaves exhibit a wrinkled surface and are a silver-green color. The vein pattern is pronounced, adding to the rugged appearance. Their unique texture and color make them easily recognizable within their species.

Learn About the Leaf Glossary

Flower Features

The flowers of silver sage appear in early summer, displaying a striking combination of white tinged with pink hues. These tubular, hooded blossoms are arranged in whorls along a stem that stands 2 to 3 feet (60 to 90 cm) tall. The distinctive shape and subtle coloration of the flowers make them easily recognizable. Each flower is adapted to attract pollinators with its unique structure. The whorled arrangement along the tall stem adds to the plant's visual appeal during the blooming season.

Learn About the Flower Glossary

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