Salvia recognita is a woody-based perennial that is endemic to central Turkey, typically growing in light shade at the base of cliffs, at elevations of less than 4,000 feet (1,200 m).

[1] However, this report has not been replicated, and a previous study of 441 Salvia species from many regions found salvinorin A only in Salvia divinorum, from Mexico.

[2] A mass of divided leaves forms a small to medium basal clump, with leaves ranging in size from 3-4 inches to nearly 1 foot long, with three or more leaflets.

The light green leaves are covered with thick hairs, giving it a grayish cast and thick texture, with each leaf blade having a wine-colored petiole.

The flowers are cyclamen-pink, growing in whorls, with calyces that are covered in glands and hairs.