Salvia farinacea is an upright, clump-forming perennial (often grown as an annual) that typically reaches about 18 to 36 inches in height with a spread of roughly 12 to 24 inches, forming a neat, bushy silhouette. The stems are slender but sturdy, generally about ⅛ to ¼ inch thick, and rise vertically from the base, supporting narrow, lance-shaped leaves that measure approximately 2 to 4 inches long and about ½ to 1 inch wide. These leaves are slightly rough to the touch and often have a gray-green to deep green coloration, sometimes with a faintly textured surface. Flower spikes extend well above the foliage, usually adding an additional 6 to 12 inches to the plant’s overall height, and can reach lengths of 6 to 10 inches per spike. Each spike is composed of numerous small, tubular flowers densely arranged along the stem, giving a full, vertical appearance; individual blossoms are typically around ½ inch long. The spacing between nodes along the spike is tight, contributing to its characteristic dense look. At maturity, the plant’s base may become slightly woody, while the upper growth remains herbaceous and flexible. Its proportions create a strong vertical accent in plantings, with multiple spikes often emerging simultaneously, making it especially effective in borders and mass plantings where consistent height and form are desired.