Salvia carduacea, the thistle sage,[1] is an annual herb native to California and Baja California, found up to 1400 m elevation.

It responds drastically to its environment, growing anywhere from 15 cm to 1 m in height.

The wooly white basal leaves resemble a thistle's, with long spines, while the flowers grow in whorls on calyces that are wooly and spiny.

The flowers are a vibrant lavender with bright orange anthers.

The foliage is pungent, with a scent similar to citronella.