[1] The stems are erect, with bright green hairy leaves that are about 13 cm (5.1 in) long, with petioles of about 8–10 centimetres (3.1–3.9 in).

With the first frosts, foliage disappears and the plant is ready to overwinter in dormant buds.

All parts of the plant are covered with sticky glandular hairs, especially the lime-green calyces and the flowers, resulting in the name "glutinosa".

[2] The flowers are supported by tiny persistent bracts and have a length of 3–5 centimetres (1.2–2.0 in), which is quite big for a sage.

Salvia glutinosa is found in forested areas in deciduous and mixed woods especially in the shade and partial shade and in calcareous soils, at an altitude of 100–1,600 metres (330–5,250 ft) above sea level.