Salvia smithii is an aromatic perennial plant that is native to Sichuan province in China, found growing on riverbanks, valleys, and hillsides at 2,600 to 3,500 m (8,500 to 11,500 ft) elevation. S. smithii grows to 30 to 90 cm (12 to 35 in) tall, with leaves that are broadly cordate-ovate to ovate-hastate, ranging in size from 4 to 22 cm (1.6 to 8.7 in) long and 3 to 18 cm (1.2 to 7.1 in) wide. Inflorescences are 2-flowered verticillasters in loose many branched raceme-panicles. The plant has a yellow corolla that is 4 to 4.5 cm (1.6 to 1.8 in).