Salvia columbariae
chia
Southwestern United States and northwestern Mexico
Attracts PollinatorsDeer ResistantDrought TolerantFragrant (light)Container Friendly
Native to North America
Overview
Salvia columbariae is a low desert and grassland annual native to the southwestern United States and northern Mexico, growing 4-20 inches (10-50 cm) tall depending on rainfall. Most of its leaves form a basal rosette and are deeply lobed and wrinkled, dark green, and softly hairy. The square stems carry one to several dense, spherical clusters of small flowers spaced along their length, each cluster ringed by spiny, purple-tinged bracts. The two-lipped flowers are blue to violet, about 0.5 inch (12 mm) long. After bloom the spiny seed heads dry and hold many small grayish seeds, the chia long gathered as food by Indigenous peoples of the region. S. columbariae grows in sandy and gravelly soils on dry slopes, washes, and open flats, often appearing in large numbers after wet winters. It needs full sun, sharp drainage, and winter rain to germinate and bloom. As a winter annual it dies after seeding, so its display depends on seasonal rainfall. It is aromatic in the manner of its mint-family relatives.
Native Range
Native to the southwestern United States and northwestern Mexico, including California, Nevada, Arizona, Utah, and Baja California. It grows in deserts, chaparral, and dry grassland on sandy or gravelly soils, washes, and burned ground.Suggested Uses
Planted in native, desert, and pollinator gardens, in wildflower seed mixes, and in restoration of dry disturbed ground. The seeds are harvested as an edible chia, and the spring flowers support native bees.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height4" - 1'8"
Width/Spread4" - 10"
Bloom Information
Blue to violet flowers open in spring, generally March through June, with timing and abundance set by winter rainfall. The flowers draw native bees and other pollinators to the desert and grassland in spring. Spiny seed heads ripen as the plant dries, releasing the small chia seeds.
Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
Blue to violetFoliage Description
Dark greenGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 6-10 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight
Water & Climate
Water Needs
Drought Tolerance
Drought tolerant when established
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Grow S. columbariae in full sun and sandy or gravelly, fast-draining soil. Sow seed in fall in mild-winter regions so that winter rains trigger germination and spring bloom. The plant needs little or no summer water and fails in rich, wet, or shaded ground. It self-sows where soil stays open and bare, reappearing in years with adequate rainfall. No fertilizer, staking, or routine care is needed during its short life. Collect seed as the heads dry if resowing or harvest is wanted.Pruning
No pruning is needed for this short-lived annual. Leave the plant in place to set and drop seed for the following season. Cut or pull spent plants once seed has ripened if a tidier look is wanted.Container Growing
✓ Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 1 gallons
✓ Toxicity
Non-toxicPlanting Guide
Planting Methods & Timing
Planting Method
direct sow
Direct Sow Timing
Fall in mild-winter regions
Days to Maturity
60–120 days
Plant Spacing
8 inches