Salvia sonomensis

Salvia sonomensis (Sonoma sage, creeping sage) is a low-growing perennial plant that is endemic to California.
==Description==
Salvia sonomensis, as suggested by its common name, is a mat-forming subshrub with stems growing up to about 30 cm tall, with inflorescences that stand above the foliage. The species is highly variable in leaf shape and size and in flower color. Leaves can be long and narrow, or shorter and rounded, with leaf color also showing a wide range from yellow-green to gray-green. Flowers can be pale lavender, lavender-purple, or lavender-blue.
==Taxonomy==
The specific epithet, sonomensis, refers to Sonoma County, California, one of the areas where it is found.
==Distribution and habitat==
S. sonomensis is found in three distinct areas in California: the California Coastal Range from Siskiyou to Napa county; from Monterey county to San Diego county; and in the Sierra Nevada foothills. It is always found growing under 2000m elevation on dry hillsides and woodlands.
==Cultivation==
Salvia sonomensis is easy to grow in cultivation, except in heavy clay soils and where there is too much irrigation. There are several different varieties, based on the different leaf types and flower colors. Two particularly hardy selections that were chosen from higher elevations are 'Cone Peak' and 'Serra Peak'. 'John Farmar-Bowers' is a white flowered variety. There are also two hybrids that are believed to be a cross between S. sonomensis and S. mellifera: 'Dara's Choice' and 'Mrs. Beard'.
==Common Names==
Sage, Creeping Sage
==Requirements==
*Full Sun
*Poor, well drained soils
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==Characteristics==
*Propagation can be by division, rooted sections, or seeds.
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==References==
Category:Groundcovers
Category:Fire Safe Plants
Category:Perennials