Texas Wildbuds
Salvia penstemonoides
(Big Red Sage)
Salvia penstemonoides, Wildflower Center, Austin, Travis Co. 4381
Salvia penstemonoides, Wildflower Center, Austin, Travis Co. 4391
Salvia penstemonoides, Wildflower Center, Austin, Travis Co. 4394
| Scientific Name | Salvia penstemonoides | USDA PLANTS Symbol | SAPE6 |
| Common Name | Big Red Sage | ITIS Taxonomic Serial No. | 504997 |
| Family | Lamiaceae (Mint) | Missouri Bot. Garden Ref. | Click Here |
| Description | Habitat: Rocky areas along seeps or creeks. Plant: Erect, strong, perennial with multiple stems up to 3 or more feet tall. Leaves: Narrow dark green stem leaves opposite, lanceolate; lower leaves 3 to 5+ inches long and petiolate; upper leaves much smaller and nearly sessile. Inflorescence: Two-lipped, dark red penstemon-like flowers in terminal racemes 8 to 12 inches long; each 1 to 1-1/2 inches long, upper lip extending beyond lower. Bloom Period: June to October. References: "Manual of the Vascular Plants of Texas" by Correll and Johnston, "Wildflowers of Texas" by Michael Eason and Missouri Botanical Garden. Note: Found in only a few areas on the Edwards Plateau. Thought to be extinct until the 1980s when it was rediscovered by Marshall Enquist. Photos here taken at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center in Austin. |
BONAP Distribution Map Map Color Key |
Texas Status: Native |
Banner photo of Castilleja indivisa and Lupinus ssp. taken along FM 1323 north of Johnson City, Blanco County
© Tom Lebsack 2025
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