Salvia gesneriiflora aka Chia Sage

Salvia gesneriiflora is a perennial in the mint family, Lamiaceae. It comes from central and southern Mexico. It grows in tropical uplands, rather than lowland heat. Records place it at 6,560–9,840 feet [2,000–3,000 metres] above sea level. The source gives no more detail about its wild habitat. Gardeners grow this species as an ornamental plant. People also gather its flowers from wild plants for food.

This plant has herbaceous growth, but its stems can turn woody. That woody growth may be limited to the stem bases. Wild plants can reach 24.6 feet [7.5 metres] in height. Plants grown in gardens tend to stay much smaller. The database also lists a height of 16.4 feet [5 metres]. It does not give a clear garden height range. Nor does it state the plant's mature spread. Allow for a large plant, while treating its final size as uncertain.

The flowers are large, red, and shaped like tubes. They hold nectar, which gives them a sweet taste. The source lists the flowers as suitable for eating raw. They can go into salads or serve as a garnish. People may also eat them straight from the plant. This edible use applies to the flowers alone. The evidence does not list leaves, stems, or seeds as food. It gives no details about the fruit or seed heads.

Choose a sunny site with soil that drains well. These are the growing conditions the cultivation source recommends. It reports tolerance of brief cold down to about 21°F [−6°C]. That figure describes occasional cold, not a full winter hardiness range. The evidence gives no USDA or UK hardiness rating. Plants can grow back well after a hard cutback. Seed is also listed as a means of propagation. No sowing method or timing is given.

Its documented garden use is as an ornamental with red flowers. Its edible blooms provide a separate use in the kitchen. The source reports no known hazards, but this is not proof of safety in every setting. It lists no known medicinal uses or other practical uses. The supplied evidence does not identify pests or diseases. It also gives no species-level details about leaf shape or bark.