Slenderleaf Sage
Salvia leptophylla
Last reviewed: August 2026
Toxicity unknown
Slenderleaf Sage (Salvia leptophylla) 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
full sun
Water
low
Size
24"–36" H × 24"–36" W
Bloom
Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct, Nov
Native to
TX
Pollinators
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 452 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.
Find rebates in your areaBrowse plants for this ecoregion
Slenderleaf Sage is a drought-tolerant perennial with narrow, aromatic foliage and spikes of small flowers. This compact native blooms for an extended period from summer through fall, making it a reliable color source in water-wise gardens. Its neat, mounded growth habit and semi-evergreen nature provide year-round structure.
In an HOA neighborhood
Slenderleaf Sage is an HOA-friendly choice. Maintenance level: low. Tidiness: 4 out of 5.
Works well in: front yard, foundation, street edge, mid zone.
Wildlife value
The long blooming period attracts butterflies and hummingbirds from summer through late fall. This extended nectar source is particularly valuable during autumn migration periods.
Common questions
- How much sun does Slenderleaf Sage need?
- Slenderleaf Sage grows best in full sun conditions.
- When does Slenderleaf Sage bloom?
- Slenderleaf Sage blooms in June, July, August, September, October, and November.
- Where is Slenderleaf Sage native?
- Slenderleaf Sage (Salvia leptophylla) is native to TX, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.
- What pollinators does Slenderleaf Sage attract?
- Slenderleaf Sage draws butterflies and hummingbirds.
- Is Slenderleaf Sage HOA-friendly?
- Slenderleaf 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.
- It is dying right after planting
- Leaves turning yellow
- Wilting even though I watered it
- Brown crispy leaf tips
- Bugs on the plant
Ready to grow Slenderleaf Sage? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.
Planning a bed around it? Start a free plan with this plant
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