Desert Blue Sage
Salvia dorrii
Desert blue sage is a stunning aromatic shrub native to the arid Great Basin and Mojave Desert, prized for its vivid blue-purple flower spikes above silver-gray foliage and its remarkable drought and cold tolerance in extreme western landscapes.
Lamiaceae (Mint family)
Late spring to early summer (April–July)
Symbolism & Meanings
Key Meanings
Perfect For
Color Meanings
Cultural Significance
Purple sage holds a legendary place in the mythology of the American West — immortalized in Zane Grey's classic novel "Riders of the Purple Sage" (1912), which made the sweeping purple-flowering sage of the desert an enduring symbol of Western freedom, wild landscapes, and frontier spirit. Across Indigenous cultures of the Great Basin and Mojave, desert sage has been used in ceremony, healing, and spiritual purification, carrying the universal symbolic weight of wisdom and sacred protection that many sage species share.Shop Our Floral Collection
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Physical Characteristics
Natural Habitat
Growing Guide
Sunlight
Full sun; 6+ hours daily; essential for compact growth, good flowering, and aromatic foliage
Water
Very low; highly drought-tolerant once established; requires little to no supplemental watering; summer dry conditions preferred
Soil
Sandy, Rocky, Gravelly, Well-drained, Alkaline to neutral, Decomposed granite
Expert Growing Tips
Plant in sharply drained, sandy or gravelly soil — root rot in wet or clay soils is the primary risk
Established plants need little to no supplemental watering; excess water in summer is detrimental
Prune lightly after flowering to maintain a tidy, compact shape
Hardy to USDA zone 5a; tolerates temperatures as low as -20°F (-29°C)
Propagate from seed (cold stratification required) or softwood cuttings in spring
Uses & Benefits
Ornamental Uses
- Xeriscape and desert gardens
- Rock gardens and dry stone walls
- Aromatic herb and sensory gardens
- Native plant and habitat restoration plantings
- Wildlife and hummingbird gardens in western landscapes
- Slope erosion control and slope stabilization
Traditional Uses
- Used by Indigenous peoples of the Great Basin including the Hopi, Kumiai, and Paipai for treating stomachaches and digestive complaints
- Hopi people also used smoke from the plant ceremonially
- The strongly aromatic foliage contains salvidorol and abietane diterpenes; the plant has been used as a tobacco substitute in some traditional contexts
- Not commonly used in mainstream herbal medicine today
Disclaimer: Information provided is for educational purposes only. Consult healthcare professionals before using any plant medicinally.
Further Reading
Frequently Asked Questions about the Desert Blue Sage
What does desert blue sage (purple sage) symbolize?
Desert blue sage symbolizes wisdom, spiritual clarity, and the untamed spirit of the American West. Its deep connection to the iconic literary and cultural image of "riders of the purple sage" has made it a symbol of Western freedom and frontier mysticism.
Is Salvia dorrii the same as the purple sage in Zane Grey's novel?
Yes — Salvia dorrii, commonly known as purple sage or desert sage, is the flowering shrub associated with Zane Grey's famous 1912 novel "Riders of the Purple Sage." The vivid purple-blue flower spikes that color the desert landscape of the American Southwest inspired the book's iconic title.
Is desert blue sage drought tolerant?
Yes, desert blue sage (Salvia dorrii) is one of the most drought-tolerant salvias available. Once established, it requires little to no supplemental irrigation and thrives in the dry, hot summers of the Great Basin and Mojave Desert regions.
How do you care for Salvia dorrii?
Plant desert blue sage in full sun and very well-drained, sandy or gravelly soil. Water during establishment, then reduce watering dramatically. Prune lightly after flowering to maintain shape. Avoid clay soils and summer overwatering, which can be fatal to the plant.
Is desert blue sage toxic to pets?
Salvia dorrii is not considered highly toxic to pets. However, as with many aromatic herbs in the mint family, ingestion in large quantities could potentially cause mild gastrointestinal upset. The plant is not listed among commonly dangerous ornamental plants for dogs and cats.
Available Colors
Quick Facts
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