The Latin specific epithet pratensis means "of meadows", referring to its preferred habitat.

This herbaceous perennial forms a basal clump 1 to 1.5 m (3.3 to 4.9 ft) tall, with rich green rugose leaves that are slightly ruffled and toothed on the edges.

The corolla is irregular, 20 to 30 mm (0.8 to 1.2 in) long, fused with two lips and long-tubed.

There are two long stamens protected by the upper corolla lip and the fruit is a four-chambered schizocarp.

[3][4] Salvia pratensis is native to Europe, western Asia and northern Africa where it grows in meadows, fields, banks and rough places.