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Nettleleaf Sage

Salvia urticifolia

Last reviewed: June 2026

Nettleleaf Sage (Salvia urticifolia)
Photo: Alex Abair / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 4.0)

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

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.

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.

Does Nettleleaf Sage fit your yard? Open it in Pollinator Patch to check it against your sun, soil, and HOA-conscious filters.