This prairie perennial may be the tallest salvia around, at 2 to 5 feet tall (and even taller). It is unbranched, or with a few small stems near the flower. The leaves are greyish green, narrowly lanceolate, with serrated margins toward their tips, and 3 to 5 inches long. The foliage exudes a sage scent and has a sage taste. The flowers grow in whorls along the last foot or so of stem, and are light blue. Flowers in late summer and early fall. Enjoyed by bees, butterflies, and moths. There is currently one planted in the Washington Square Garden.
Prefers dry soils and full sun; too much water, too much fertilizer, or too much loamy-goodness will result in an even taller salvia but with less flowering. It tolerates high alkaline soils. Cut back hard in late winter.