S.azurea ?

Hmm, Salvia azurea (Blue Sage) seems to have a lot of varieties, but 'Grandiflora' looks like it might be it? Here are some more photos after the blooms went to seed, and most of them had fallen off their stalks:

Hard to tell out of context from the photos alone, but due to its substantial size (~2' tall clusters) and long, flowering stalks - it's definitely a prairie showstopper that really stands out in a field! BD

You get an A+ for great photos with lots of detail and photos of the plant from different angles and distances. I like "prairie showstopper" too!

^ THX!!!

OK, I think that just based upon its bloom time alone (which starts in April), this is actually Salvia farinacea (Mealy Blue Sage) - which also ranges in color from light to dark purple.

Whereas Salvia azurea var. grandiflora doesn't bloom until July...

OK, so I've got a new sprout from a transplanted little spike, now. I'm still not 100% sure if this is Salvia farinacea or Salvia azurea var. grandiflora? Or maybe something else similar? Can anyone tell from this?

I'm rather dubious that's a Salvia at all.

^ I'm pretty sure it is...here is a Salvia farinacea 'Henry Duelberg' seedling for comparison, for example...which looks very similar.

I have yet to see either known Salvia with wavy stems and such narrow leaves, though?

A sniff will tell you if it’s a salvia or not.