autumn sage

noun

: a small shrub (Salvia greggii) native to Texas and northern Mexico that is cultivated as an ornamental especially in the southwestern U.S. and has small, aromatic leaves and often showy flowers in terminal racemes

Autumn sage is sturdy, pretty, drought tolerant and, with its usually red flowers, manna for hummingbirds.

—Emily Green, Los Angeles Times, 9 Sept. 2004

called also cherry sage

Word History

First Known Use

1937, in the meaning defined above

Love words?

You must — there are over 200,000 words in our free online dictionary, but you are looking for one that’s only in the Merriam-Webster Unabridged Dictionary.

Start your free trial today and get unlimited access to America's largest dictionary, with:

• More than 250,000 words that aren't in our free dictionary
• Expanded definitions, etymologies, and usage notes
• Advanced search features
• Ad free!