Salvia forreri is a perennial plant that is native to five provinces in Mexico: Coahuila, Durango, Sinaloa, Nuevo-Leon, and Zacateca. It grows at 6,500 to 9,500 m (21,300 to 31,200 ft) elevation. According to Carl Epling, it might be a variety of Salvia arizonica rather than a distinct species.