Pineapple sage

Salvia elegans

Family: Lamiaceae

Pet & Human Safety

People: Not researchedPets: Not on the ASPCA lists as we read them

Human edibility

Edible

Edible parts

leaves, flowers

Hazardous parts

Not yet checked.

Preparation

No preparation requirement stated by the sources found.

Hazard type

Not yet checked.

Hazard route

Not yet checked.

How complete this information is

The safety information on this page is partial. Where a source covers a point, it is shown; where none does, the page says so.

Toxic to pets

No ASPCA entry found.

Not assessed for pets. No pet verdict was found for Salvia elegans. The ASPCA dogs list has no entry for pineapple sage. It does list common sage (Salvia officinalis) and scarlet sage (Salvia coccinea), which are different species and are not carried over. The ASPCA cat and horse lists were not checked. Do not treat it as safe for pets.

Look-alike warning

Could be mistaken for Look-alike plants. To tell them apart: Scarlet sage (Salvia coccinea): similar red-flowered salvia, not generally regarded as edible (NC State)..

Look-alike warning

Could be mistaken for Plants that share its name. To tell them apart: Do not confuse with scarlet sage (Salvia coccinea): NC State says it lacks the fruity leaf scent and is not generally regarded as edible. Check the crushed-leaf pineapple smell and the species name before eating..

Poison control

If someone has collapsed, cannot be woken, is having a seizure or has trouble breathing, call 911 now. For any other possible poisoning, call Poison Help: 1-800-222-1222.

Emergency number source: U.S. federal law (47 U.S.C. § 251(e)(3)), read 2026-10-07.

Naturalist Lore

Historical Background & Breeding Lore

The history of this plant and its name, and how it was bred, where we have them.

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Care

Hardiness zones: USDA zones 8a through 10b (NC State). Texas A&M calls it very cold sensitive; NC State says it dies to the ground at first frost and regrows the next spring in mild climates.
Water needs: NC State: grows best in moist, well-drained soil; 'somewhat drought tolerant, leaves will begin to drop with insufficient moisture'. Soil drainage is listed as moist and occasionally dry.
Mature size: 3 to 5 ft tall, 3 to 4 ft wide (NC State). Texas A&M lists 24 to 36 in. tall.

Soil & Drainage

Pruning & Flush Rhythm

Feeding Schedule

How to prepare the soil, when and what to feed, and how and when to prune where that applies.

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