Fauna
Plant · GBIF taxon 9278365

Tropical Sage

Salvia coccinea

Also known as Blood Sage, Scarlet Sage, Texas Sage

Tropical sage brightens open woodlands, coastal sandy soils, and garden beds with elongated spikes of brilliant scarlet blossoms. Upright, squarish stems bear triangular downy leaves that release a gentle aromatic scent when brushed or crushed. Nectar-rich tubular flowers bloom continuously from spring until the first winter freeze, serving as a vital refueling station for migrating hummingbirds and butterflies.

FloweringPollinator AttractorPerennial
Tropical Sage reference1 / 7
Licensed referenceno rights reserved, uploaded by Brady Reed · cc0
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Not EvaluatedConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXNot Evaluated — not placed on the risk ladderRed List categories, explained →
Key facts
Diet & prey
  • Autotrophic (Photosynthesis)
Predators
  • Slugs
  • Snails
  • Caterpillars
ThreatsSevere frost, aggressive invasive weeds, habitat destruction
HabitatsCoastal dunes, sandy woods, open fields, disturbed areas
Life span3–5 years (often grown as an annual in freezing climates)
Classification
  1. OrderLamiales
  2. FamilyLamiaceae
  3. GenusSalvia
  4. SpeciesSalvia coccinea
Range & activity
Range data is not available yet.
Safe observation
Interaction riskLow
  1. Low
  2. Moderate
  3. High
  4. Very high
Why interaction risk is low
Safe to observe at a normal distance.
Responsible observation
  • Gardening: Plant in well-drained soil under full sun or light shade to maximize continuous blooming.
  • Observation: Watch quietly during warm mornings to spot hummingbirds probing the tubular flowers.
  • Maintenance: Trim back faded flower stalks in early spring to stimulate vigorous bushier growth.
Related species
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