Salvia reptans is a widely distributed herbaceous perennial native to the mountains of the Trans-Pecos in Texas, and in Mexico and Guatemala. It typically grows in dry stream beds and gravelly soils. It was introduced into horticulture in the 19th century and was previously known by the synonyms Salvia angustifolia and Salvia leptophylla, both of which refer to the slender leaves. The specific epithet reptans refers to the plant's creeping habit.[2]

Salvia reptans
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Tracheophytes
Clade: Angiosperms
Clade: Eudicots
Clade: Asterids
Order: Lamiales
Family: Lamiaceae
Genus: Salvia
Species:
S. reptans
Binomial name
Salvia reptans
Synonyms[1]
  • Salvia angustifolia Cav., nom. illeg.
  • Salvia leptophylla Benth.
  • Salvia linifolia M.Martens & Galeotti

The form of Salvia reptans commonly grown in gardens is unusual in that it produces numerous lax or decumbent stems. The other form, which is native to western Texas, grows upright to 3 feet in height. The variety S. reptans var. glabra also grows wild in Texas. In horticulture, Salvia reptans reaches 3 feet wide or more with abundant thin, black stems. The stems can make a groundcover. The narrow mistletoe-green leaves are sparse. The 0.5 inch flowers have blue corollas in dark calyces.[2]

Notes

edit
  1. ^ "Salvia reptans Jacq." Plants of the World Online. Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. Retrieved 2024-04-30.
  2. ^ a b Clebsch, Betsy; Barner, Carol D. (2003). The New Book of Salvias. Timber Press. p. 246. ISBN 978-0-88192-560-9.