Biological Flora of the British Isles: <i>Salvia pratensis</i>

Abstract This account presents information on all aspects of the biology Salvia pratensis L. (Meadow Clary) that are relevant to understanding its ecological characteristics and behaviour. The main topics presented within standard framework Biological Flora British Isles : distribution, habitat, communities, responses biotic factors, environment, structure physiology, phenology, floral seed characters, herbivores disease, history conservation. is an erect, rosette‐forming, perennial herb with a broad native distribution covering much Europe—from Isles, Spain Morocco in west, across Europe into Asia, as far east Urals. In species nationally scarce, confined few south‐ west‐facing sites calcareous soils Southern England one site Wales. It predominately found unimproved pasture, hay meadows grassy verges, but can occur fringes scrub or woodland. Although abundant central Europe, changes land management since mid‐20th century have resulted fragmented threatened populations several European countries. cultivated ornamental, S . × sylvestris , hybrid S. nemorosa Populations typically gynodioecious, having both female (male‐sterile) hermaphrodite individuals at variable proportions. has mixed mating system self‐compatible via insect pollination, predominantly outcrosses. Honeybees bumblebees pollinators, diverse range bee other visit flowers. Inbreeding depression been documented, presenting conservation concern for small, populations. focus efforts reintroduced where it had become locally extinct Britain. To sustain favourable should maintain low soil nutrient levels, prevent encroachment dominance coarse grasses. removal sward by cutting grazing after plants flowered set advised, addition maintaining degree disturbance provide bare patches seedling recruitment.