Bob,

The article is referring to one species of Salvia out of many, and one that rarely blooms during hummingbird season. So don't worry, you'll still be able to cultivate your HB friendly types.

At least they had the sense not to publicize which species it is. The TV news here was not as responsible; they attempted to give a Latin name to the plant, but they butchered the pronunciation so badly that I'll bet that only those already in the know could figure out what they were talking about...

Mike

Oh my word Bob! Am I going to have to be on the look out for people trying to smuggle salvia into the country now?!

~ Cat

The "bad" salvia apparently is cultivated only from cuttings, so isn't likely to turn up in seed packets at WalMart or blow in on the wind, etc. It also sounds like those who have the plants aren't likely to be sharing cuttings from their cash cow...so Aunt Minnie probably won't end up with "bad salvia" growing next to her opium poppies.

Patrick

I've never seen it, but I've read about it. the particular salvia has a long and venerated shamanic tradition for healing and visions in certain central american cultures. I'd be more inclined to call it the 'holy' salvia rather than the 'bad' salvia.
in my opinion, things get a 'bad' rap when folks experiment recreationally with such things without mindfulness or reverence or research.
I guess I think all plants are holy, I just have a hard time remembering that about poison oak and ivy.
:-)