Salvia coccinea

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Scarlet Sage, Tropical Sage, Blood Sage

Form:	Flower
Size:	2-6 ft tall by .5-2 ft wide
Life Span:	Annual to short-lived perennial
Flower Color:	Red, pink
Fruit Color:	Brown
Phenology:	Can bloom at any time of year. Tends to die back in northern areas.
Noted for:	Showy flowers

Recommended Uses:

Wildflower gardens and meadows.

Considerations:

Readily self-seeds and can be fairly aggressive.

Propagation:

Readily self-seeds, seeds can be easily collected by bagging the flowers once they start to wilt.

Availability:

Native nurseries, FNPS plant sales, Seed

Light:

Full Sun, Part Shade

Moisture Tolerance:

always floodedextremely dry

(Somewhat moist, no flooding ----- to ----- Very long very dry periods)

Moisture Tolerance:

Somewhat moist, no flooding ----- to ----- Very long very dry periods

Salt Water Flooding Tolerance:

Not salt tolerant of inundation by salty or brackish water.

Salt Spray/ Salty Soil Tolerance:

Moderate. Tolerant of salty wind and may get some salt spray. Exposure to salt spray would be uncommon (major storms).

Soil or other substrate:

Sand

Soil pH:

5.5 to 7.5

Wildlife:	Attracts hummingbirds, nut-hatches, and warblers.
Insects:	Attracts butterflies, bumblebees, and other pollinators.
Native Habitats:	Disturbed sites, calcareous bluffs, shell mounds.

Suitable to grow in:
10A 10B 11 8A 8B 9A 9B

USDA zones are based on minimum winter temperatures

Ethnobotany:	Reports on edibility of this plant are conflicting...and there is potential to confuse this native with other red-flowered Salvia species. People have reported getting a severe stomach ache from consuming a concentrated extract from the flower. Others have suggested that the leaves can be dried and used instead of the imported sages. Both the leaves and flowers have a slightly sour minty taste and have been used in salads or as garnish. Just remember, what you eat is your own responsibility....
General Comments:	In mild areas, plants sometimes persist through the winter and will bloom again. They need to be cut way back or they will not be attractive.