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Summary
Physical Characteristics
Salvia_columbariae is a ANNUAL/PERENNIAL growing to 0.7 m (2ft 4in) by 0.5 m (1ft 8in).
See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 7 and is not frost tender. It is in flower from July to September, and the seeds ripen from August to September. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Bees.
It is noted for attracting wildlife.
Suitable for: light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers dry or moist soil and can tolerate drought.
UK Hardiness Map
US Hardiness Map
Synonyms
Plant Habitats
Edible Uses
Seed - raw or cooked[92, 94, 95, 257]. Usually ground into a powder and used as piñole or made into dark-coloured cakes and loaves[183], it has a nutty flavour[92]. It can also be mixed with corn meal when making mush or with ground wheat for gruel[183]. Rich in niacin, thiamine, zinc, calcium and manganese[160], it is also a good source of protein and easily digested fats[274]. It has a high food value and is easily digested[92]. The sprouted seeds can be added to salads and sandwiches[160, 183]. A refreshing drink can be made by steeping the seed in cold water[92, 94, 95, 183]. Alternatively, the seed can be roasted and ground into a powder then mixed with water when it soon becomes a copious gelatinous mass[2]. It is very palatable and nutritious[2]. The seed has been used to render water palatable by removing the alkalis[257]. The leaves are occasionally used as a sage-like seasoning[183].
References More on Edible Uses
Medicinal Uses
Plants For A Future can not take any responsibility for any adverse effects from the use of plants. Always seek advice from a professional before using a plant medicinally.
The seed is digestive, disinfectant, febrifuge and ophthalmic[94, 257]. An infusion can be used in the treatment of fevers[257]. A poultice of the seed mush can be applied to infections[257]. The seeds have been kept in the mouth, and chewed during long journeys on foot, in order to give strength[257]. The seeds have been used to cleanse the eyes or remove foreign matter from the eyes[257]. No more information is given here, but in other instances the seed has been placed in the eye, it then forms a gelatinous covering to which any foreign matter in the eye adheres. The seed is washed out of the eye by the eyes own tears[K].
References More on Medicinal Uses
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Other Uses
References More on Other Uses
Cultivation details
Requires a very well-drained light sandy soil in a sunny position[200]. Prefers a rich soil[1]. Plants are lodge resistant[160]. This plant was a staple food crop of the Aztecs[142]. It is often cultivated for its edible seeds, which are used to make a refreshing and nourishing drink. A good bee plant[61]. Members of this genus are rarely if ever troubled by browsing deer[233].
References Carbon Farming Information and Carbon Sequestration Information
Temperature Converter
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The PFAF Bookshop
Plants For A Future have a number of books available in paperback and digital form. Book titles include Edible Plants, Edible Perennials, Edible Trees,Edible Shrubs, Woodland Gardening, and Temperate Food Forest Plants. Our new book is Food Forest Plants For Hotter Conditions (Tropical and Sub-Tropical).
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Plant Propagation
Seed - sow April in situ. The plant dislikes root disturbance. If seed supplies are limited then it can be sown in a pot in a greenhouse in March/April, potted up into individual pots as soon as the seedlings are large enough to handle then planted out in May. Germination usually takes 10 - 14 days at 20°c.
Other Names
If available other names are mentioned here
Native Range
NORTHERN AMERICA: United States (Arizona, California, Nevada (south), Utah (s. (Washington Co. & Kane Co.))), Mexico (Baja California (Norte), Baja California Sur, Sonora)
Weed Potential
Right plant wrong place. We are currently updating this section.
Please note that a plant may be invasive in one area but may not in your area so it’s worth checking.
Conservation Status
IUCN Red List of Threatened Plants Status :
Growth: S = slow M = medium F = fast. Soil: L = light (sandy) M = medium H = heavy (clay). pH: A = acid N = neutral B = basic (alkaline). Shade: F = full shade S = semi-shade N = no shade. Moisture: D = dry M = Moist We = wet Wa = water.
Expert comment
Author
Benth.
Botanical References
71200
Links / References
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