Salvia amplexicaulis is a herbaceous perennial that is native to southeastern Europe. It is a close relative of Salvia nemorosa. Its specific epithet, amplexicaulis, refers to the "stem-clasping" stem leaves which have no stalks. Violet-blue flowers grow closely together in whorls, forming a nearly continuous spike, with plants reaching up to 90 cm (3.0 ft) tall.