Sambucus nigra caerulea
Sambucus nigra caerulea
Chumash: qayas Español: Sauco
Chumash: qayas Español: Sauco
est. 2005
Once Upon a Watershed
is a program of the CREW
Telling the Story of Our Watershed Through Exploration, Education, and Stewardship
HUMMINGBIRD SAGE
Salvia spathacea
Chumash: pax Español: Diosa
Plant Description
Category: Perennial herb
Origin: Near the coast it is found in coastal strand or chaparral. Inland and slightly higher in elevation, it occurs in oak woodland and other woodland types.
Evergreen: Yes
Flower Color: Pink and red flowering spikes
Bloomtime: Year round, especially in Winter/Spring
Height: 1 - 3 ft.
Exposure: Shade, partly shady
Drought Tolerant: Yes
Alternate Names: Crimson Sage
Hummingbird sage is a magnet for pollinators. It supports bees, butterflies, moths and of course, hummingbirds. Its beautiful flowers have a wonderful fragrance and can be seen in the springtime. You will find this sage in shady spots with some moisture. It makes a beautiful ground cover as it spreads by its rhizomes.
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The leaves have been used in tea as a decongestant by Native Americans and others. It makes a lovely tea with a bit of honey added. Salvia comes from the Latin salveo, “to save” which refers to the medicinal uses of many salvias
