How much sun does Nettleleaf Sage need?

Nettleleaf Sage grows best in part sun conditions.

When does Nettleleaf Sage bloom?

Nettleleaf Sage blooms in May, June, and July.

Where is Nettleleaf Sage native?

Nettleleaf Sage (Salvia urticifolia) is native to AL, GA, KY, LA and 4 more states, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.

What pollinators does Nettleleaf Sage attract?

Nettleleaf Sage draws bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds.

Is Nettleleaf Sage HOA-friendly?

Nettleleaf Sage is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with low maintenance.

Nettleleaf Sage

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Salvia urticifolia

Last reviewed: August 2026

Toxicity unknown

Nettleleaf Sage (Salvia urticifolia) is not listed by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (opens in new tab) or the other sources we check, so we have no verdict for it either way. Absence from those lists is not a clearance. If your pet shows symptoms after eating any plant, call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435.

Light

part sun

Water

medium

Size

12"–24" H × 12"–18" W

Bloom

May, Jun, Jul

Native to

AL, GA, KY, LA and 4 more states

Pollinators

bees, butterflies, hummingbirds

Before you buy

Your city may pay you to plant this

Cities and water utilities offer rebates for replacing lawn with native and water-wise plants. We track 459 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.

Find rebates in your area

Picture natives in your own yard

Upload a photo of your yard and Patch Vision shows a rendering of it planted with natives for your region, like Nettleleaf Sage.

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Browse plants for this ecoregion

Piedmont Northern Piedmont Southeastern Plains Blue Ridge Ridge and Valley Eastern Temperate Forests Interior Plateau

Nettleleaf sage is a compact native perennial that produces delicate blue to purple flower spikes from May through July. This well-behaved plant maintains a neat, clumping form and thrives in partial sun with moderate watering.

In an HOA neighborhood

Nettleleaf Sage is an HOA-friendly choice. Maintenance level: low. Tidiness: 4 out of 5.

Works well in: front yard, foundation, street edge, mid zone.

Goes dormant in winter leaving bare spots

Wildlife value

The flowers attract bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds throughout the late spring and summer blooming period. This sage provides valuable nectar resources during peak pollinator activity months.

Common questions

How much sun does Nettleleaf Sage need?: Nettleleaf Sage grows best in part sun conditions.
When does Nettleleaf Sage bloom?: Nettleleaf Sage blooms in May, June, and July.
Where is Nettleleaf Sage native?: Nettleleaf Sage (Salvia urticifolia) is native to AL, GA, KY, LA and 4 more states, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.
What pollinators does Nettleleaf Sage attract?: Nettleleaf Sage draws bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds.
Is Nettleleaf Sage HOA-friendly?: Nettleleaf Sage is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with low maintenance.

Native range data from vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

If something looks wrong

Common plant problems, and what to check first

These come up on almost any plant. Each guide lists the likely causes in the order they are worth ruling out, with one thing to check before you act on any of them, and links to the source it came from.

See all plant problem guides

Ready to grow Nettleleaf Sage? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.

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