Salvia reflexa aka Rocky Mountain Sage

Salvia reflexa is an annual in the mint family, Lamiaceae. Its common names include mintweed and lanceleaf sage. Its native range spans northern and central United States into Mexico. It is not native to Britain or Ireland. Kew places it in the subtropical climate group. In the wild, it grows on dry, open ground. Records extend from Wisconsin west to Montana and south to Texas.

Plants reach about 2.6 feet (0.8 metres) in height. They grow as annuals rather than forming a lasting woody framework. The available species account gives no detail on leaves or stems. It also gives no flower colour or bloom dates. Each flower has both male and female organs. Insects pollinate the flowers. The account records seed use but does not describe the fruit. It lists cultivated beds as a garden setting.

Choose a sunny site with soil that drains very well. This plant does not grow in shade. PFAF recommends light, sandy soil, though it also lists loam as suitable. It favours rich soil and accepts mildly acid through mildly alkaline conditions. Soil may be dry or moist, but drainage remains important. Excess wet in winter can kill plants. The evidence gives no hardiness zone or minimum winter temperature. It flags weed potential without stating how severe this may be.

Raise plants from seed under glass in March or April. Move seedlings into their own pots once large enough to handle. Take care with their roots, as they dislike disturbance. Set young plants outside in late spring or early summer. Another option is to sow where plants will grow during April or May. With this later sowing, a cool summer may prevent seed from ripening. These timing notes come from PFAF's cultivation account.

PFAF records the seeds as an ingredient for a cooling drink. It gives the species a low edible-use score. Its further food notes concern another species, so they do not establish additional uses here. PFAF lists no known medicinal or other uses. It also reports that this plant can poison cattle. Nitrate poisoning is a possible cause, rather than a confirmed explanation. This livestock warning does not establish its safety for people or household pets.