Hey, I'm an amateur herbalist in Southern California. I do my homework, though, and can reassure that, while it is imperative to identify a species before using it, that many salvias are, indeed, medicinal plants. Officinalis is usually used to refer to a number of old-world plants, commonly used at the time of naming for medicinal purposes (and often evolving into modern-day cooking spices). However, species denoted as Officinalis are often related to a few, or a wide variety, of edible and medicinal plants. Some common sages that you'll find along with Spathacea that are noted for their medicinal use (NOT always equal to "edible," but in this case all are acceptable tea fodder) include Salvia Mellifera (I've read that you can brew it, but it's very, very strongly aromatic), Salvia Leucophylla, and Salvia Apiana (the famous "Sacred White Sage" looks most like Hummingbird Sage, but with much paler and fuzzier leaves). I primarily use them in incense and salves, but I do not believe any are particularly toxic. Some salvias, even common-name sages, can potentially be toxic. Always make sure to positively identify your herbs before play time.

Speaking of salvia spathacea,I planted hummingbird sage plants in February and they haven't been doing very well in my yard. They get intense sun for about 2/3 of the day, and in shade for 1/3 of the day. I can never figure out if I'm giving them too much or too little water. Anybody have any suggestions? Are your hummingbird sages in more shade than mine? Thanks!

Kea, On tuesday I picked up the Salvia listed below at Russells in Wayland. There were other varieties as well. Salvia greggii (one of my favorites) 'Plum Wine' and 'Cherry Queen' Salvia involucrata bethelii described as Rosebud Salvia produces deep rose tubular blossoms on 2' spikes in August-October 5'. Salvia guaranitica 'Argentine Skies' (have grown before) 4' nice pale blue flowers. Salvia guaranitica 'blue' which I am hoping is probably 'Black & Blue' Salvia subrotunda Also known as "hummingbird Salvia" 3-4' Here is a link that might be useful: Directions to Russells Garden Center

Bumping this down the page.