Chia
Salvia columbariae
Last reviewed: June 2026
Salvia columbariae (Chia) is a drought-tolerant native forb blooming April through June across Arizona, California, Nevada, New Mexico, and Utah. This full-sun wildflower attracts bees and butterflies with its purple flower spikes.
Chia (Salvia columbariae) is not on the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center toxic plant list for dogs or cats (aspca.org (opens in new tab), last reviewed 2026-05-21). If your pet shows symptoms after eating any plant, call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435.
Light
full sun
Water
low
Size
6"–24" H × 6"–12" W
Bloom
Apr, May, Jun
Native to
AZ, CA, NM, NV and 1 more states
Pollinators
bees, butterflies
Browse plants for this ecoregion
Chia is a native annual wildflower growing 6-24 inches tall with blue-purple flower spikes. It performs well in full sun and dry conditions, making it drought tolerant and low maintenance. The distinctive whorled flowers appear in spring and early summer.
Growing Chia
Grow Chia in full sun and low water. Mature plants reach 6 to 24 inches tall and spread 6 to 12 inches wide. Expect moderate maintenance to keep it looking intentional in a front yard.
In an HOA neighborhood
Chia is an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement. Maintenance level: moderate. Tidiness: 2 out of 5.
Works well in: mid zone, backyard only.
- Annual nature means seasonal die-back
- Can self-seed and appear somewhat informal
- Best when planted in defined beds rather than prominent locations
Wildlife value
Chia is highly attractive to native bees and butterflies, providing valuable nectar during its spring bloom period.
Common questions
- When does Salvia columbariae bloom?
- Salvia columbariae typically blooms from April through June, producing purple flower spikes that attract pollinators during spring and early summer.
- What pollinators visit Chia plants?
- Chia plants are visited by bees and butterflies, which are attracted to the purple flowers for nectar and pollen.
- Where is Salvia columbariae native?
- Salvia columbariae is native to the southwestern United States, including Arizona, California, Nevada, New Mexico, and Utah.
- What growing conditions does Chia prefer?
- Chia thrives in full sun conditions with low water requirements, making it well-adapted to arid and semi-arid environments of the Southwest.
- Is Chia toxic to dogs?
- Chia is not on the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center toxic plant list for dogs (aspca.org).
- Is Chia toxic to cats?
- Chia is not on the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center toxic plant list for cats (aspca.org).
- Is Chia HOA-friendly?
- Chia is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with moderate maintenance.
Native range data from the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.
Ready to grow Chia? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.
Not sure where to start? Take the 2-minute yard quiz