Salvia azurea

Salvia azurea is a perennial herb native to the central and southern United States. Tall slender stems carry narrow leaves and clear blue two-lipped flowers arranged in loose terminal spikes. The species grows naturally in prairies, open woodland, and sunny roadsides and tolerates heat and periodic drought. Pairs of flowers occur at intervals along the stem, leaving visible sections of axis between the successive floral whorls. Photographed in Florida.