The inflorescence is more or less scapose, meaning it has a long peduncle that comes from the ground level that has bracts.

The fruit of S. columbariae is a nutlet that is tan to grey in color and 1.5 to 2 mm (0.059 to 0.079 in) long.

[1] Salvia columbariae can be found in dry undisturbed sites, chaparral, and coastal sage scrub.

[4][5] The Cahuilla, Ohlone, Kawaiisu, and Mahuna used the gelatinous seeds to cleanse out foreign matter in the eyes.

The seeds were placed in the eyes for infections and inflammation, and during sleep, they were tucked underneath the eyelids to remove sand particles.

The Mahuna, Paiute, and Akimel O'odham make it into a gelatinous material, then cook it into porridge.