Hummingbird sage, also known as Salvia spathacea or pitcher sage, is a aromatic herb native to California and Oregon. This sage gets its name from its popularity with hummingbirds who are attracted to its red flowers. Hummingbird sage has a few other common names that it goes by as well.
Other Common Names for Hummingbird Sage
Here are some of the other names that hummingbird sage is known by:
- Hummingbird salvia
- Pitcher sage
- Cancer weed
- Hummingbird food
- Pitcher sagebrush
The most frequently used alternate names are hummingbird salvia and pitcher sage. Let’s take a closer look at each of these names.
Hummingbird Salvia
Hummingbird salvia is a very descriptive name for this plant. Salvia refers to the fact that the plant is in the genus Salvia, along with other salvias like garden sage. Adding hummingbird to the name directly refers to its popularity with hummingbirds. Hummingbird salvia highlights two of the main features of this plant – its genus and its ability to attract hummingbirds.
Pitcher Sage
The name pitcher sage also refers to two defining characteristics of the plant. Sage refers to it being a member of the Salvia family. Pitcher refers to the tubular shape of its red flowers which resemble small pitchers or cups. Pitcher sage is a very fitting alternate common name for this California native.
Origins of the Name Hummingbird Sage
Hummingbird sage gets its common name from its ability to attract hummingbirds with its bright red tubular flowers that are perfectly adapted for a hummingbird’s long slender beak. Hummingbirds have a symbiotic relationship with hummingbird sage where they get nectar from the flowers and in return pollinate the flowers when moving between plants.
This sage blooms in early spring which coincides with when hummingbirds migrate back to the western United States to breed after spending the winter in Mexico or Central America. The hummingbirds depend on the nectar from the sage’s flowers to help restore their energy reserves after the long migration.
Some key facts about the relationship between hummingbird sage and hummingbirds:
- Hummingbird sage flowers hang in clusters called racemes that provide ample nectar for hummingbirds.
- The tubular red flowers of hummingbird sage perfectly match the long beaks of hummingbirds.
- Hummingbirds play a key role in pollinating hummingbird sage plants as they move from flower to flower accessing nectar.
- Hummingbird sage blooms early in spring right when hummingbirds return from migration and need a good nectar source.
As you can see, hummingbird sage is exquisitely adapted to attract and benefit from its relationship with hummingbirds through both its timing and flower morphology. This natural partnership is why it has earned its common name of hummingbird sage.
Physical Characteristics of Hummingbird Sage
In addition to its red tubular flowers, hummingbird sage has some other defining physical features. Here is an overview of the physical characteristics of this plant:
- Growth pattern – Hummingbird sage is a spreading evergreen subshrub, growing 1-4 feet tall and 3-4 feet wide.
- Leaves – The leaves are oval-shaped, green, aromatic, and fuzzy. They grow up to 4 inches long.
- Stems – The stems are a red-brown color and fuzzy.
- Flowers – Flowers have tubular red blooms about 1 inch long that hang in whorls or clusters along the stems.
- Flowering season – The flowers bloom in early spring, typically from March to May.
- Fruit – After the flowers fade, small brown nutlets form in clusters where the flowers were.
- Roots – Has spreading roots that help form new plants via rhizomes.
- Native habitat – Grows in coastal sage scrub and chaparral habitats in California and Oregon.
These characteristics like the fuzzy aromatic leaves, red tubular flowers, and spreading growth habit help define the physical appearance of hummingbird sage.
Uses for Hummingbird Sage
In addition to attracting hummingbirds, hummingbird sage has some other uses including:
Landscaping
Hummingbird sage works very well in landscaping. It can be used as a ground cover, border plant, or low growing hedge. Some key landscaping features:
- Spreads easily to cover open areas.
- Tolerates heat and coastal conditions.
- Requires little water once established.
- Adds year-round greenery.
- Provides spring color with its red flowers.
Wildlife Habitat
In addition to attracting hummingbirds, hummingbird sage supplies nectar and habitat for other pollinators like bees and butterflies. It can be planted in wildlife gardens or natural habitats to support local ecosystems. The small nutlets provide a food source for certain birds and rodents.
Herbal Remedies
Hummingbird sage has a long history of uses in herbal medicine practiced by Native Americans. Traditional uses include treating:
- Colds
- Congestion
- Sore throats
- Coughs
- Upset stomach
- Skin irritations
The leaves can be made into teas, inhaled as aromatherapy, or applied topically. Modern research has found the plant contains compounds that have antimicrobial, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties.
Growing Conditions
Here are the ideal growing conditions for hummingbird sage:
- Climate – Prefers mild coastal climates. Tolerates temperatures down to 20F when established.
- Sun – Grows best in full sun but can tolerate some partial shade.
- Soil – Thrives in well-draining loam or sandy soils.
- Water – Drought tolerant but needs occasional watering during prolonged dry periods.
- Maintenance – Requires pruning every 2-3 years to maintain shape and encourage new growth.
When provided the right growing conditions, hummingbird sage is relatively easy to cultivate in gardens in the western U.S. Proper care will help the plant spread into an attractive flowering ground cover.
How to Grow Hummingbird Sage
Here are some tips for growing hummingbird sage:
- Plant in spring or fall in a spot with full sun and well-drained soil.
- Space plants 2-3 feet apart to allow room for growth.
- Water deeply and regularly until established (about 1-2 months).
- After established, water only occasionally during droughts.
- Prune back by 1/3 every 2-3 years in winter for shaping and to encourage new growth.
- Apply a layer of mulch around the plants to help retain moisture.
- Fertilize very lightly with a balanced organic fertilizer in spring if needed.
With its modest watering needs and spreading growth habit, hummingbird sage makes an excellent low maintenance addition to gardens and landscapes.
Where to See Hummingbird Sage
Here are some places where you can see hummingbird sage growing in its native habitat:
- Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area – This park northwest of Los Angeles has extensive coastal sage scrub habitats with hummingbird sage.
- Big Basin Redwoods State Park – Located in the Santa Cruz Mountains, this California park has natural stands of hummingbird sage.
- Sonoma Coast State Park – Runs along the Sonoma County coastline and preserves coastal sage scrub with hummingbird sage.
- Will Rogers State Historic Park – This historic park northwest of Los Angeles features native plant gardens with hummingbird sage.
You may also find hummingbird sage at native plant nurseries and gardens in California and Oregon. Ask a local nursery for the best cultivars for your specific area.
Conclusion
With its ability to attract colorful hummingbirds and thrive in warm coastal climates, it’s easy to see why hummingbird sage is a favorite California native. This aromatic subshrub can add year-round texture and spring flowers to gardens and landscapes. Look for it at nurseries that carry native plants if you’d like to grow some hummingbird sage yourself.