| Salvia coccinea | |
|---|---|
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Scientific classification 
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| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Clade: | Tracheophytes |
| Clade: | Angiosperms |
| Clade: | Eudicots |
| Clade: | Asterids |
| Order: | Lamiales |
| Family: | Lamiaceae |
| Genus: | Salvia |
| Species: | S. coccinea
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| Binomial name | |
| Salvia coccinea Buc'hoz ex Etl.
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Salvia coccinea, the blood sage,[1] scarlet sage, Texas sage, or tropical sage,[2] is a herbaceous perennial in the family Lamiaceae that is widespread throughout the Southeastern United States, Mexico, Central America, the Caribbean, and northern South America (Colombia, Peru, and Brazil).[2] At one time Brazil was considered to be where it originated, but its diploid chromosome count now points to Mexico as its place of origin.[3]
Its specific epithet, coccinea, means "scarlet-dyed" (Latin), referring to the color of its flowers.[4]
The plant reaches 2 to 4 ft (0.61 to 1.22 m) in height, with many branches, and a spread of about 2.5 ft (0.76 m). The hairy leaves, scalloped on the edges, are pea green, varying in size, all the way up to 3 in (7.6 cm) long and 2 in (5.1 cm) wide. Flower color and size is quite variable.[3] The naturalized variety is typically tubular, bright red, about 1.25 in (3.2 cm) long.[5] Flowers are pollinated by hummingbirds and butterflies.[6]
Salvia coccinea is commonly grown as an annual species. It is cultivated in urban green areas as well as in private gardens around the world. It has a long flowering period, from the start of summer to the end of autumn.[7][failed verification] Cultivated varieties include orange-red, pink, salmon, red, white, and scarlet, as well as bi-colored varieties.[3] The plant can survive winter in USDA Hardiness Zones Zones 8–10.[8]
