Salvia dentata stem-tips

The stem-tips of Salvia dentata in picture show hairy, cylindrical to club-shaped buds changing colour as bloomtime approaches. The lower ones are getting there first.

The hairy leaves grow in opposite pairs and cluster densely or spread when the soft, faintly red upper stem parts elongate. Sunlight reveals translucence to the patchy blade surfaces along their vein routes, reminding of reptilian skin.

This plant is unpalatable to game and stock (Manning, 2009; Le Roux, et al, 2005; iNaturalist).