It grows best with afternoon shade and moist soil. The leaves are used in the cooking of its native Southern Mexico, although some reports suggest it may have carcinogenic properties. Pineapple Sage is a tender perennial that will die back to the ground when freezing weather comes to Austin, Texas. The pointed leaves are fragrant with a pineapple scent and branches will root easily in water. A mature plant may grow to 4 ft in height.
Pineapple sage needs protection from the hot afternoon sun and requires more water than most sages.
In the spring it is slow to sprout, so be patient. Autumn weather brings beautiful spikes of brilliant red flowers that attract migrating hummingbirds to the garden. The delicate pineapple flavor is easily overpowered so use pineapple sage to flavor punches, cream cheese and fruit salads. The flowers are a wonderful garnish. Salad Burnet is a charming evergreen plant whose 12 inch fountains of scalloped foliage form a wonderful flower bed edging.