The inspiration for the Native Spaces logo, Salvia spathacea holds high office in the pantheon of the Franciscan flora. This vigorous creeper grows wild from a rhizome in coastal areas from Orange County to the Bay Area, the northern limit of its natural range. In San Francisco it loves the windy, foggy conditions and summer drought, making it an ideal low-maintenance groundcover for mild sun or partial shade, especially under oaks or on exposed north-facing slopes. Upon the flanks of San Bruno Mountain facing San Francisco, this sage grows in fragrant savannahs of 10,000 sq. ft. and more.

The bright pink blooms and aromatic spear-shaped leaves recommend this plant for any local gardener. It has absolutely the best scent of any sage I know. Squadrons of hungry hummingbirds visit these choice nectarful blossoms daily.

The photo at left shows the last remaining wild population of Salvia spathacea known to exist in the city of San Francisco proper. Read more in this March '05 Chronicle article on Bernal Hill.