Salvia moorcroftiana

Salvia moorcroftiana, or Kashmir sage, is a perennial herb. It belongs to the mint family, Lamiaceae. Its native range runs from eastern Afghanistan to western Nepal. It grows in temperate regions on open slopes and waste ground. Its wild sites lie at 4,920–8,860 feet [1,500–2,700 metres]. It is not native to Britain or Ireland.

In gardens, plants reach about 3 feet [0.9 metres] tall. They spread to about 1.6 feet [0.5 metres] wide. This size suits a place in a cultivated bed. Each flower has both male and female organs. Bees pollinate the flowers. The supplied sources give no species-level flower colour or bloom season. They also give no detailed account of leaves or fruit. Genus-wide descriptions cannot confirm those traits for this species.

Grow this sage in full sun rather than shade. It needs soil that lets water drain away fast. Light, sandy soil is the stated preference. Loam is also suitable, and the plant favours rich soil. It accepts mildly acid, neutral, and mildly alkaline conditions. Soil may be dry or moist, but winter wet poses danger. Too much water around the roots in winter can kill plants. Plants For A Future lists USDA hardiness zones 6–9. Good drainage remains important within that stated cold-hardiness range.

Seeds and cuttings offer ways to raise new plants. Sow seed under glass in March or April. Seeds tend to sprout within two weeks. Move seedlings into separate pots once large enough to handle. Plant them outside in early summer. Near the plant's cold limit, keep seedlings under glass through winter. Set those plants out in late spring the next year. Half-ripe cuttings can root during much of the growing season. Plants For A Future does not flag this species as weedy.

People sometimes eat the stems after peeling them. Plants For A Future gives its food use a low rating. It also records traditional medicinal uses, not proof of treatment benefits. These include roots for coughs and colds. Leaf poultices serve as dressings for wounds and itchy skin. The seed has been used to cause vomiting. The source lists no known hazards. That statement does not establish safety for people or pets.