Autumn sage is a small, herbaceous perennial or semi-woody sub-shrub in the mint family (Lamiaceae). Growing 2 to 3 feet tall and wide, it is native to Texas and Mexico and found mainly on rocky slopes. The species epithet honors Josiah Gregg (1806–1850), a botanist and explorer, who discovered the plant on an exploration through Texas. This sage prefers full sun but tolerates afternoon shade in regions with high summer heat. It needs well-drained soil and tolerates rocky soil. The cultivar 'Wild Thing' reportedly has better winter hardiness than species plants. Propagate it by semi-ripe stem cuttings, which root easily. It is drought- and salt-tolerant. Autumn sage and little leaf sage ( S. microphylla ) are the parents of Salvia × jamensis . All three taxa are popular ornamental plants but are difficult to distinguish from one another. Many modern cultivars are difficult to place in any of these three taxa. This plant attracts butterflies, hummingbirds, and other pollinators and is seldom damaged by deer. The seeds of autumn sage are eagerly sought by seed-eating birds. Autumn sage is great on slopes and banks, and in naturalized areas. Use it as a border, hedge, or mass planting in a children’s, rock, butterfly, pollinator, or drought-tolerant garden. Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems: No serious problems. VIDEO Created by Elisabeth Meyer for "Annuals, Perennials, Vines, and Groundcovers," a plant identification course developed in partnership with Longwood Gardens. More information on Salvia .
Curated pairwise relationships between this plant and others in the library — who feeds
whom, who competes, who confuses the pests. Green reads as a good pairing, red as one to avoid.
No curated interactions recorded for this species yet.
Also noted by NC State
Related species the NC State Plant Toolbox flags for this plant — look-alikes to tell
apart, and plants that play a similar role in a planting. Ones we carry in the library are linked.