Salvia nanchuanensis is an annual or biennial herb that is native to Hubei and Sichuan provinces in China, growing on riverbanks, rocky slopes, and open areas at 1,700 to 1,800 m (5,600 to 5,900 ft) elevation. S. nanchuanensis grows on erect stems to 35 cm (14 in) tall. Inflorescences are widely spaced 2-6 flowered verticillasters in terminal racemes, with a reddish corolla that is approximately 1.1 cm (0.43 in).