The hummingbird sage plant, also known as Salvia spathacea, is a aromatic herb in the mint family Lamiaceae. It is native to California and Oregon, where it grows in coastal sage scrub, chaparral, and foothill woodland habitats. Hummingbird sage gets its name from its tubular red flowers which attract hummingbirds. It is a popular garden plant, valued for its attractive flowers and fragrance. The plant has also been used medicinally by Native Americans.
Botanical Name and Classification
The botanical name of the hummingbird sage plant is Salvia spathacea. It is classified in the Lamiaceae (mint family), which contains over 7,500 species in around 236 genera worldwide. Some other common members of the Lamiaceae family include basil, oregano, thyme, rosemary, and lavender.
The genus Salvia contains around 1,000 species, several of which are popular garden plants. Salvia spathacea is one of 58 Salvia species native to California. It was first described scientifically in 1833 by the German botanists Johann Friedrich Klotzsch and Carl Albert Weber.
Some key identifiers for Salvia spathacea include:
– Plant Family: Lamiaceae (Mint family)
– Genus: Salvia
– Species: S. spathacea
– Common Names: Hummingbird sage, pitcher sage, hummingbird flower, sepal sage
Description and Characteristics
Hummingbird sage is an aromatic, evergreen perennial shrub growing 1-3 feet tall and wide. It has a woody base with multiple branching stems covered in softly hairy foliage.
The leaves are oblong to oval-shaped, green to grayish-green in color, and measure about 1-3 inches long. They grow oppositely along the stems and are covered in fine hairs, giving them a soft texture.
From spring through fall, hummingbird sage produces whorls of tubular red flowers at the ends of the stems. The flowers have a two-lipped shape with the upper lip straight and the lower lip drooping. They bloom in whorls of around 6-12 flowers, with each flower reaching 1-1.5 inches long.
The bright red flowers are highly attractive to hummingbirds, which have long, specialist beaks suited to reach the nectar at the base of the tubular blossoms. Bees, butterflies, and other pollinators also visit the flowers.
After the flowers fade, small brown nutlets develop in clusters at the base of each whorl. The plant dies back partially in winter but reshoot from the woody base each spring.
Native Habitat and Range
Hummingbird sage is endemic to California and Oregon in the western United States. Specifically, it grows along the Pacific Coast and in the coastal mountain ranges.
In California, it can be found growing in:
– Central Western California
– Southwestern California
– Channel Islands of California
– Transverse Ranges
– Peninsular Ranges
The plant grows in a variety of habitats including:
– Chaparral
– Coastal sage scrub
– Coastal strand
– Oak woodlands
– Open slopes
It thrives in Mediterranean climates with cool, wet winters and hot, dry summers. Hummingbird sage grows at elevations from sea level up to around 5,000 feet.
Traditional Uses by Native Americans
Hummingbird sage had a variety of uses among Native American tribes where it naturally occurred. The Chumash peoples who lived along the California coast used the plant for medicinal purposes.
The leaves were made into a tea or decoction to treat stomach aches, cramps, and diarrhea. Hummingbird sage was also used as a women’s medicine for painful menstruation.
The aromatic seeds and leaves were burned by the Chumash as incense in purification rituals. The plant was also added to sweathouses for its pleasant scent.
Various Californian tribes such as the Ohlone, Miwok, and Pomo also used hummingbird sage for medicinal purposes, as well as parts of the plant for making baskets.
Cultivation
Hummingbird sage is valued as an ornamental plant for its attractive flowers that draw hummingbirds to gardens. It is relatively easy to grow, preferring full sun exposure and well-drained soil. Here are some tips for cultivating Salvia spathacea:
– Grow in full sun to light shade. Needs at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day.
– Plant in well-draining soil. Avoid wet, overly rich soil which can cause fungal diseases.
– Allow plenty of space between plants for good air circulation. Space plants 2-3 feet apart.
– Water regularly but avoid overwatering. Let soil dry between waterings.
– Apply a thin layer of mulch to help retain moisture and reduce weeds.
– Prune lightly after flowering to shape plant. Remove any damaged growth.
– Fertilize sparingly, as too much can cause excess foliage at the expense of flowers.
– Propagate by cuttings taken in spring or early summer. Larger divisions can also be used.
– Watch for powdery mildew fungal disease. Provide good air circulation.
– Can be grown in containers. Use well-draining potting mix.
Companion Plants
Hummingbird sage pairs nicely with other California native plants that share its habitat, as well as other drought-tolerant and Mediterranean herbs. Some suitable companion plants include:
– Manzanita (Arctostaphylos species)
– California lilac (Ceanothus species)
– California fuchsia (Epilobium canum)
– Sages (Salvia species)
– Penstemon
– Agastache
– Lavender
– Rosemary
– Yarrow
– Catmint
– Blanket flower (Gaillardia)
Grouping hummingbird sage with other tubular flowers will help provide an attractive buffet for visiting hummingbirds.
Uses in Landscaping
Hummingbird sage works very well in native plant gardens, wildlife gardens, xeriscapes, cottage gardens, herb gardens, and drought tolerant landscapes.
Here are some tips for using Salvia spathacea in landscaping:
– Plant en masse for best floral display. Groupings of 3, 5, or 7 plants together works well.
– Locate near seating areas or paths where its flowers can be enjoyed up close.
– Use on banks, slopes, terraces, and rock gardens. Helps prevent soil erosion.
– Allows space for its spread. Can reach 2-3 feet wide at maturity.
– Looks attractive spilling over walls or containers.
– Mix with grasses, succulents, ornamental gravel mulch, and boulders for desert garden appeal.
– Use as a low hedge or edging plant. Keeps a neat shape with light pruning.
– Plant alongside paths or walkways where its fragrance can be appreciated.
Medicinal Uses
Modern herbalists and naturopaths still utilize hummingbird sage (Salvia spathacea) medicinally for its antispasmodic, analgesic, and sedative properties. The plant has the following medicinal uses:
– Aromatic oil has a calming effect that aids sleep and relaxation. The tea can be drank before bed.
– Tea or tincture made from leaves used to relieve anxiety, headaches, and pain from menstrual cramps.
– Antispasmodic effect helps relieve muscle spasms and stomach cramps. Helps with indigestion.
– Mild sedative properties make it helpful for relieving nervous tension and stress.
– Gargle made from the tea can help soothe a sore throat.
– Antimicrobial actions help fight off infections when used topically on cuts and skin irritations.
– The tea stimulates sweating, helping to flush toxins and reduce fevers during illness.
Always consult a medical professional before using any herb medicinally. Do not take hummingbird sage in medicinal amounts if pregnant or breastfeeding.
Toxicity
Hummingbird sage (Salvia spathacea) does not cause any serious side effects when used appropriately, either in food amounts or in medicinal doses.
Some people may experience mild stomach upset when ingesting larger amounts of the herb. Topical use of the plant is not associated with any toxicity.
Like many plants in the mint family, Salvia spathacea contains low levels of thujone. Thujone is a compound found in sage, wormwood, and cedar leaf oil which can cause neurological effects if consumed in very high doses over prolonged periods.
However, thujone levels in Salvia spathacea and common culinary sage are not considered high enough to pose any risk and the plant is generally regarded as non-toxic.
There are no known drug interactions with hummingbird sage. Those with allergy or sensitivity to plants in the Lamiaceae family may need to avoid it.
As with any herb, it is recommended to take breaks from use and rotate with other herbs. Consult your doctor before using medicinally, especially if pregnant, nursing, or taking any medications.
Culinary Uses
Hummingbird sage has a pleasant flavor profile and can be used fresh or dried to add flavor to a variety of dishes. Here are some culinary uses for Salvia spathacea:
– Chopped leaves can be added to salad dressings, marinades, and sauces. Has a mild peppery taste.
– Stew hummingbird sage leaves in soups and stews. Good for bean or vegetable soups.
– Use to flavor meat dishes such as chicken, fish, lamb, and wild game. Goes well with hearty flavors.
– Tea can be made by infusing the fresh or dried leaves in hot water. Has an aromatic, minty taste.
– Add leaves when pickling vegetables. The herbs impart a subtle earthy flavor.
– Mix chopped leaves into stuffing or rice dishes for a flavorful accent.
-Use as a salt substitute due to its mineral content. Just rub dried leaves between your fingers.
– Add hummingbird sage to herb butters and oils. Makes a zesty compound butter for seafood.
Hummingbird sage brings aromatic notes to both savory and sweet dishes. Use just a little at first until you get a feel for its flavor strength.
Gardening Tips
Here are some helpful gardening tips for successfully growing hummingbird sage (Salvia spathacea):
– Plant in spring after the last frost when the soil has warmed up.
– Give plenty of room for air circulation. Space plants 2-3 feet apart.
– Grow in lean, well-draining soil. Avoid fertilizing too much.
– Needs at least 6 hours of full sun per day. Does best in hot, sunny spots.
– Drought tolerant once established. Water 1-2 times per week in drought.
– Cut back by 1/3 after flowering to encourage new growth.
– Divide congested plants in early spring every 2-3 years.
– Watch for fungal diseases like powdery mildew and treat promptly.
– Can be propagated from cuttings or division in spring.
– Attracts hummingbirds, butterflies, bees, and other pollinators!
– Deer tend to avoid this herb, making it deer-resistant.
– Tolerates Mediterranean climates very well.
– Suitable for xeriscapes and low-water gardens.
Conclusion
In summary, the hummingbird sage plant is a beautifully aromatic herb in the mint family that is native to California and Oregon. With its whorls of tubular red flowers that attract hummingbirds, Salvia spathacea is a delightful addition to gardens. It has traditionally been used by Native Americans for medicine and is still valued today for its antioxidant, antimicrobial, and calming effects. Easy to grow in full sun and well-drained soil, hummingbird sage can be incorporated into native plant gardens, xeriscapes, herb gardens, containers and more. With proper cultivation, you can enjoy the ornamental flowers and pleasant scent of this versatile West Coast native.
