Hummingbird Sage
According to Wikipedia, Salvia spathacea (Pitcher Sage or Hummingbird sage) are a herbaceous plant species with woody bases and a somewhat sprawling habit with upright flowering stems. It’s a member of the large Salvia or sage genus in Lamiaceae or the mint family. This fruity-scented Salvia blooms from March to May with typically dark rose-lilac-colored flowers. It is native to southern and central California and grows from sea level to 2,000 feet elevation. It is commonly cultivated in gardens for its attractive flowering spikes and pleasant scent.
I found it on the side of Bishop’s Peak in San Luis Obispo today, May 16, 2010, with my loyal hiking buddy and best friend, Riley. She is the best four-legged friend a guy could ask for and even waits while I shoot photos of plants.
Below you will find the map for Bishop’s Peak.