Salvia dorrii var. incana
Fleshy sage, Fleshy Sage
Photo: parent species Salvia dorrii · (c) Matt Berger, some rights reserved (CC BY) · licence
Family: Lamiaceae · Type: Shrub · Native
Conservation status: CNPS 3
Salvia dorrii var. incana (Fleshy sage) is a native California shrub in the Lamiaceae family, recognized by no sympatric species.
Fleshy sage is a California native shrub found in the northwestern California Ranges, specifically near Hornbrook in Siskiyou County, growing in silty to rocky soils at elevations of 1,250 to 1,550 meters. Flowering from May to July, this plant produces flowers in clusters with subtle variations of color. Growing with a spreading habit and stems that reach moderate heights, it forms an open, branching structure. Its leaves are distinctively fleshy, measuring 1 to 4 centimeters long and 0.6 to 2.8 centimeters wide, tapering elegantly toward the petiole. The plant's delicate foliage and branching form make it a distinctive component of its rocky mountain habitat.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: Geographically isolated; no sympatric species
Habitat and range
Habitat: Silty to rocky soils
Elevation: 1250-1550 m
California counties: Kern, San Bernardino, Siskiyou, Modoc, Lassen, Los Angeles
Outside California: to Washington, Idaho
Bloom period
Salvia dorrii var. incana blooms May-Jul.
Conservation status
CNPS 3
How to tell it apart
vs Gambelia: Salvia has opposite leaves and square stems (mint family), while Gambelia has alternate leaves.; vs Encelia: Salvia has tubular two-lipped flowers, while Encelia has yellow daisy-like flower heads.; vs Artemisia: Salvia has showy tubular flowers, while Artemisia has tiny inconspicuous flowers in narrow spikes.; vs Trichostema: Salvia has flowers in interrupted whorls, while Trichostema has long curved stamens protruding from flowers.; vs Stachys: Salvia typically has grayish aromatic leaves, while Stachys has green wrinkled leaves and denser flower spikes.
Frequently asked questions
Is Salvia dorrii var. incana native to California?
Yes. Salvia dorrii var. incana is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Salvia dorrii var. incana bloom?
Salvia dorrii var. incana blooms May-Jul.
Where in California does Salvia dorrii var. incana grow?
Salvia dorrii var. incana occurs in Kern, San Bernardino, Siskiyou, Modoc, Lassen, Los Angeles, at elevations of 1250-1550 m.
What plant family does Salvia dorrii var. incana belong to?
Salvia dorrii var. incana is in the Lamiaceae family, genus Salvia.
Is Salvia dorrii var. incana rare or endangered?
Salvia dorrii var. incana carries California Rare Plant Rank 3, state rank S1.
Related species
Other California species in the same genus, family, or bioregion.
Sources: Jepson eFlora · CNPS Rare Plant Inventory · Index of California Plant Names · CalPhotos · CDFW CNDDB
Last updated 2026-10-06
Data from The California Species Project — 14,000+ California species with verified data from CNPS, CDFW, USFWS, Cal-IPC, and more.