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Scarlet sage

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.

Lifespan

Lifespan: Perennial, Annual, Biennial

Plant Type

Plant Type: Herb

Leaf Type

Leaf Type: Deciduous

Quickly Identify Scarlet sage

1

Vibrant red tubular blossoms on slender 2-3 ft (60-90 cm) stems.

2

Distinctive scarlet-red two-lipped flowers in whorls on tall stems.

3

Fruit forms four one-seeded nutlets, dry texture, brown to gray color.

4

Medium green leaves, triangular to oval, scalloped edges, fine hairs.

5

Square stem with short and long hairs, green to reddish, bushy growth.

Scarlet sageScarlet sageScarlet sageScarlet sageScarlet sage

Detailed Traits of Scarlet sage

Leaf Features

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.

Leaf Shape

Ovate

Scarlet sage Leaf Shape image
Leaf Base

Cordate

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Flower Features

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.

Scarlet sage Flower image
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Stem Features

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.

Scarlet sage Stem image
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Fruit Features

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.

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Scarlet sage and Their Similar Plants

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Rosemary vs. Scarlet sage: What's The Difference?
Rosemary is a herb with pale flowers and evergreen leaves. It gives off a distinctive scent and is used in cooking as well as in the making of scented perfumes, soaps, and candles. Rosemary is native to the Mediterranean region where evidence of its use by humans dates back at least 7000 years.
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Woodland sage vs. Scarlet sage: What's The Difference?
Woodland sage is a clump-forming plant that is known for its purple flowers that grow on upright purple stems. This plant is especially attractive to butterflies and bees and the leaves give off a minty fragrance. This perennial should be cut back after flowering has concluded, usually in early fall.
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Common sage vs. Scarlet sage: What's The Difference?
Salvia officinalis, colloquially known as common sage, is an evergreen woody shrub that grows in dry and stony places. It has a long history of cultivation for culinary purposes as well as for its distinctive scent, which is now incorporated into candles, potpourri, and beauty products, often combined with lemon. Common sage's lovely purple flowers adorn many gardens and flower beds all over the world.
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Mealycup sage vs. Scarlet sage: What's The Difference?
The mealycup sage needs either full or partial sun in order to thrive. It can be an annual plant when grown in temperate climates and must be planted in times without frost in less temperate climates. There are a few varieties of mealycup sage, which can produce either violet, blue or white flowers.
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Baby sage vs. Scarlet sage: What's The Difference?
Baby sage is an evergreen shrub that is commonly found in Mexico and the Southwestern United States. This plant has distinctive leaves, which when crushed produce a pleasant scent that is a mixture of mint and black currant. Flowers are usually vibrant and range in color from light pink and rose to magenta and red.
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Scarlet sage vs. Scarlet sage: What's The Difference?
Scarlet sage (Salvia splendens) is a perennial herb native to Brazil. Its many small flowers are shaped such that hummingbirds and butterflies are the most common visitors. Scarlet sage is often cultivated ornamentally for decor, and it has become a mainstay in indoor flowerbeds such as those in shopping malls.
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Blue anise sage vs. Scarlet sage: What's The Difference?
Blue anise sage (Salvia guaranitica) is a flowering perennial herb that attracts bees, hummingbirds, butterflies, and resists deer. It grows best in shade in rich soil and is drought resistant. Blue anise sage is common in gardens and considered easy to grow.
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Autumn sage (Salvia greggii) is a perennial, flowering shrub that grows from 61 to 91 cm tall. The flowers, typically red, can also be found in white, pink, orange, or purple. This disease and insect free plant is drought tolerant and attracts butterflies and hummingbirds. Perfect as a colorful, low-growing hedge.
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Key Facts About Scarlet sage

Attributes of Scarlet sage
Plant Type
Herb
Plant Height
30 cm
Spread
30 cm to 75 cm
Leaf Color
Green
Flower Size
2.5 cm
Flower Color
Red
White
Pink
Fruit Color
Brown
Stem Color
Green
Red
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Scientific Classification of Scarlet sage

Family
Mint
Icon allow
Genus
Sages
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Species
Scarlet sage (Salvia coccinea)
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Distribution Map of Scarlet sage

Scarlet sage is native to South and Central America. Its introduction has chiefly taken place in South and East Asia and Africa. Scarlet sage naturally resides in sandy soils in dense shrubbery and open forest areas.
Native
Cultivated
Invasive
Potentially invasive
Exotic
No species reported
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