Chia, Ziegler's sage

Salvia columbariae

Physical Characteristics

Salvia columbariae is a ANNUAL/PERENNIAL growing to 0.7 m (2ft 4in) by 0.5 m (1ft 8in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 7 and is not frost tender. It is in flower from July to September, and the seeds ripen from August to September. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Bees. It is noted for attracting wildlife. Suitable for: light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers dry or moist soil and can tolerate drought.

Distribution

South-western N. America - California.

Habitats

Cultivated Beds;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Seed Edible Uses: Condiment Drink Seed - raw or cooked[92, 94, 95, 257]. Usually ground into a powder and used as piñole or made into dark-coloured cakes and loaves[183], it has a nutty flavour[92]. It can also be mixed with corn meal when making mush or with ground wheat for gruel[183]. Rich in niacin, thiamine, zinc, calcium and manganese[160], it is also a good source of protein and easily digested fats[274]. It has a high food value and is easily digested[92]. The sprouted seeds can be added to salads and sandwiches[160, 183]. A refreshing drink can be made by steeping the seed in cold water[92, 94, 95, 183]. Alternatively, the seed can be roasted and ground into a powder then mixed with water when it soon becomes a copious gelatinous mass[2]. It is very palatable and nutritious[2]. The seed has been used to render water palatable by removing the alkalis[257]. The leaves are occasionally used as a sage-like seasoning[183].

Medicinal Uses

Digestive Disinfectant Febrifuge Ophthalmic The seed is digestive, disinfectant, febrifuge and ophthalmic[94, 257]. An infusion can be used in the treatment of fevers[257]. A poultice of the seed mush can be applied to infections[257]. The seeds have been kept in the mouth, and chewed during long journeys on foot, in order to give strength[257]. The seeds have been used to cleanse the eyes or remove foreign matter from the eyes[257]. No more information is given here, but in other instances the seed has been placed in the eye, it then forms a gelatinous covering to which any foreign matter in the eye adheres. The seed is washed out of the eye by the eyes own tears[K].

Known Hazards

None known