Salvia jurisicii is a small compact plant, about 30 cm (12 in) tall and wide, with pinnate leaves that have linear segments.

Various climatic, geological and anthropogenic factors have contributed to the development of a characteristic xerothermic, steppe-like vegetation in this region – a so-called “Macedonian steppe”.

The typical floristic associations for this eco-type, including its unique endemic and halophytic elements, have been described by Matevski et al.[1] With the hill Orlovo Brdo in the adjacent Negotino municipality in North Macedonia, Ovche Pole constitutes the total area of distribution for Salvia jurisicii – less than 300 km2 (120 sq mi).

[3] In Ovche Pole, isolated populations of Salvia jurisicii have been registered in the vicinities of the villages Mustafino, Vrsakovo, Sudikj, and Delisinci.

Previously covering most of Ovche Pole, the steppe vegetation as a result now occupies only a small fraction, on non-cultivated areas – “islands”, scattered across this territory.

The combination of permissive ecological surveying and poor implementation renders these projects their character as a pending threat to the future survival of this species.

[8] This is supported by Alimpich et al.,[9] whose phytochemical analysis of above-ground parts of Salvia jurisicii indicates that the plant, especially the leaves, could be regarded as a potential source of natural antioxidants.