Autumn Sage (Salvia greggii) is a perennial subshrub native to Texas. Because of its attractive flowers, long blooming season (spring through fall), evergreen foliage, drought tolerance, and ease of cultivation, Autumn Sage is also a popular garden plant, especially in southwestern states like Arizona.

Autumn Sage has spike-like clusters of 1 inch (2.54 cm) long, red, pink, or white flowers. The nectar-filled flowers attract hummingbirds, and because these plants have such a long blooming season, hummingbirds will often claim ownership over them and will perch nearby to guard them from other hummingbirds.

Autumn Sage grows extremely well here in southern Arizona, and it is one of the few plants in my Tucson garden that is not eaten by deer, rabbits, or Javelinas. Autumn Sage is not poisonous or fetid-smelling, so it's quite remarkable how wildlife-resistant it is. Autumn Sage grows a bit rangy with age and needs to be cut back occasionally, so I wouldn't mind a little animal nibbling, but they just leave it alone.