Mexican Chia

(Salvia hispanica)

Mexican Chia (Salvia hispanica)

Forest and Kim Starr

CC BY 2.0

Image By: Forest and Kim Starr

Recorded By:

Copyright Notice: Photo by: Forest and Kim Starr | License Type: CC BY 2.0 | License URL: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/ | Uploader: Starr Environmental | Publisher: Flickr

Estimated Native Range

Summary

Salvia hispanica, commonly known as Mexican Chia, is an annual herb that is native to a variety of habitats including open areas in woodlands, grasslands, and along stream banks in South and Central America and Mexico. It can grow up to 1.75 meters (5 feet 9 inches) tall and is characterized by its square stems and opposite leaves. The plant produces numerous clusters of purple or white flowers in a spike at the end of each stem during the short-day seasons, typically from summer to fall. The flowers are highly attractive to pollinators such as bees and butterflies.

Mexican Chia is primarily cultivated for its seeds, which are a rich source of omega-3 fatty acids, yielding 25–30% extractable oil. The seeds are also high in fiber, protein, and antioxidants, making them a valuable nutritional supplement. In addition to its use as a food crop, the plant’s striking spikes of flowers can add visual interest to ornamental gardens. It is relatively easy to maintain, requiring well-drained, moderately fertile soil, and can tolerate acid soils and moderate drought. While it needs moisture for seedling establishment, mature plants are susceptible to root rot in wet soils. Full sun is ideal for growth, and medium to low water requirements make it suitable for xeriscaping or low-water gardens. However, gardeners should be aware that in some regions, S. hispanica may be considered invasive due to its ability to self-seed prolifically.CC BY-SA 4.0

Plant Description

Plant Type: Herb
Height: 1-3 feet
Width: 2-2 feet
Growth Rate: Moderate
Flower Color: Blue, Purple
Flowering Season: Summer
Leaf Retention:

Growth Requirements

Sun: Full Sun
Water: Medium, Low
Drainage: Medium

Common Uses

Bee Garden, Bird Garden, Border Plant, Butterfly Garden, Deer Resistant, Drought Tolerant, Edible*Disclaimer: Easyscape's listed plant edibility is for informational use. Always verify the safety and proper identification of any plant before consumption., Fragrant, Hummingbird Garden, Low Maintenance, Rabbit Resistant, Salt Tolerant, Showy Flowers

Natural Habitat

native to a variety of habitats including open areas in woodlands, grasslands, and along stream banks in South and Central America and Mexico

Other Names

Common Names: Salba Chia, Chia, Mexikansk Chia-Salvia, Mexikansk Chiasalvia

Scientific Names: , Salvia chia, Salvia hispanica, Salvia hispanica var. chionocalyx, Salvia hispanica var. intonsa, Salvia prysmatica, Salvia tetragona, Kiosmina hispanica, Salvia neohispanica, Salvia schiedeana,

GBIF Accepted Name: Salvia hispanica L.