Description

Chia is found in hot, dry plant communities in much of the state. The low-growing leaves can’t “elbow” their way to the sun. It seems to thrive in areas where it receives little competition from other plants. Chia’s gray-green leaves hug the ground but the inflorescence shoots straight up with several whirled bunches of purple flowers. These produce abundant edible seed as the plant dries out. Chia is adaptable in the garden. It seems to not compete well with other plants, though, so give it adequate space. Chia is native to Santa Clara County.