How to identify Scarlet sage (Salvia coccinea)
Scarlet sage, also known as Texas sage, Tropical sage
Scarlet sage boasts vibrant red, tubular blossoms atop slender, upright stems reaching 2-3 feet (60-90 cm) in height. Its foliage comprises ovate to lance-shaped leaves, which are roughly 3 inches (7.5 cm) long, with a rich green hue and a slightly serrated margin. The leaves are arranged in an opposite fashion, which is typical of the Lamiaceae family. These striking flowers are arranged in loose whorls at the stem tips, presenting a prominent display from late spring through fall.
Vibrant red tubular blossoms on slender 2-3 ft (60-90 cm) stems.
Distinctive scarlet-red two-lipped flowers in whorls on tall stems.
Fruit forms four one-seeded nutlets, dry texture, brown to gray color.
Medium green leaves, triangular to oval, scalloped edges, fine hairs.
Square stem with short and long hairs, green to reddish, bushy growth.
The medium green leaves of scarlet sage are characterized by their roughly triangular, oval, or heart-shaped form. They feature scalloped edges and are covered with fine hairs, giving them a slightly fuzzy texture. The veins are prominently visible, adding to the leaf's distinctive appearance. Measuring approximately 2 to 4 inches (5 to 10 cm) in length, these leaves contribute a noticeable visual appeal to the plant.
Scarlet sage has striking two-lipped flowers characterized by a bright scarlet-red hue. The flowers are tubular, measuring roughly 1 inch (2.5 cm) in length, with a distinctive smaller upper lip and a larger lower lip, creating a unique contrast. They are arranged in whorls on tall, slender stems. Blooming from late spring to early fall, these flowers exude a mild, pleasant fragrance. Scarlet sage's flowers attract hummingbirds and other pollinators, enhancing their ecological significance.
The stem of scarlet sage is distinctly square in cross-section and exhibits a unique texture. It is covered with short hairs, which give it a slightly rough feel, and interspersed with longer spreading hairs that are more visible. Typically, the stem's color ranges from green to a more reddish hue as it matures. The stem has moderate thickness, usually about 0.2 to 0.4 inches (0.5 to 1 cm) in diameter. Branching is frequent, with a pattern that supports the plant's bushy growth habit.
The fruit of scarlet sage is a specialized structure known as a schizocarp, noted for dividing into four distinct one-seeded chambers, or nutlets, upon maturation. Each nutlet houses a single seed, and together they form a cohesive, symmetrical fruit. Typically, the fruit is dry and hard in texture, becoming evident after the flowering period when the mint family's characteristic blooms have faded. The color of the mature nutlets commonly ranges from brown to dark gray, offering an inconspicuous appearance against the foliage. This fruit morphology is a key characteristic in the identification of scarlet sage.
Gardenia jasminoides is an evergreen shrub with unique, glossy evergreen leaves and stunning flowers. The sophisticated, matte white flowers are often used in bouquets. The exceptional beauty of this ornamental plant has made it a popular and highly appreciated plant amongst gardeners and horticulturalists.
The golden pothos (Epipremnum aureum) is a popular houseplant that is commonly seen in Australia, Asia, and the West Indies. It goes by many nicknames, including "devil's ivy", because it is so hard to kill and can even grow in low light conditions. Golden pothos has poisonous sap, so it should be kept away from pets and children.
Solanum lycopersicum is an annual or perennial herbaceous vine native to Central and South America that produces a large, juicy, edible fruit known as tomato. Today there are over 10000 cultivated varieties. Although tomato is the world’s most popular vegetable, botanically it is a fruit.
The pepper are commonly used for cooking in places such as the Southern U.S. and Central America. Most are moderately spicy, though because there are so many variants, the spice level can vary dramatically. Cayenne powder is also a popular seasoning product made from pepper plants.
The swiss cheese plant (Monstera deliciosa) produces bright, glossy leaves and makes a popular houseplant. It is originally native to tropical forest regions in Central America. The nickname swiss cheese plant refers to the small holes that develop in the plant's leaves. The long fruits resemble corncobs and smell sweet and fragrant when ripe.
The bigleaf hydrangea is a deciduous shrub native to Japan, and is known for its lush, oval, colorful inflorescence. The two types of Hydrangea macrophylla are mopheads - with large, ball-shaped, sterile flower clusters, and lace capes - with small round fertile flowers in the center, and sterile flowers on the outer side of each inflorescence. Depending on soil pH, blooms can change color from pink to blue.
Scientific Classification of Scarlet sage