salvia

American  

[sal-vee-uh] / ˈsæl vi ə /

noun

1. any plant of the genus Salvia, comprising the sages, having opposite leaves and whorled flowers.

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salvia British  

/ ˈsælvɪə /

noun

1. any herbaceous plant or small shrub of the genus Salvia, such as the sage, grown for their medicinal or culinary properties or for ornament: family Lamiaceae (labiates)

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Etymology

Origin of salvia

1835–45; < New Latin, Latin: sage

Example Sentences

Although Binns must occasionally replace a borderline-hardy Salvia ‘Amistad,’ she does so for the sake of the Anna’s Hummingbirds that swarm it in summer.

From Seattle Times • Oct. 6, 2022

Two teeth showed evidence of sclareolide, a compound found in Salvia plants that has antibacterial and antifungal properties, and is currently used as an aroma fixative in the perfume industry.

From Science Magazine • May 20, 2022

Salvia spathacea, with its tall magenta and burgundy-colored flowers, fits the bill.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 11, 2022

“It’s hard to imagine Romney saying the kinds of things Trump has said regarding interventionism and politics in general,” said Mr. Salvia.

From Washington Times • Nov. 23, 2016

An exceedingly brilliant combination can be made by the use of scarlet Salvia, as the centre of a bed six or eight feet across, with Calliopsis surrounding it.

From Amateur Gardencraft A Book for the Home-Maker and Garden Lover by Rexford, Eben E. (Eben Eugene)