Salvia penstemonoides

 Salvia penstemonoides

Salvia penstemonoides, commonly called big red sage, was thought to be extinct in the wild until several colonies of the plant were rediscovered in the Edwards Plateau region of central Texas in the 1980s. Although in danger of extinction in the wild, this plant is easily grown from seed, and at this time is thriving in a number of home gardens throughout its growing range. It is noted for its long summer bloom of tube-shaped, 2-lipped, dark rose-red to burgundy-red flowers (each to 1 1/2” long) that bloom in spikes atop stiff stems typically growing 3’ (less frequently to 5’) tall. As the common name suggests, the flowers are quite large for salvias. Flowers are reportedly attractive to hummingbirds. Leaf rosettes and flowers are reminiscent of penstemon, hence the specific epithet. The Center for Plant Conservation (CPC) reports that major threats to the survival of this plant in its native habitat include herbicides, lowering of water table and erosion.