Salvia atropurpurea is a perennial plant that is native to Yunnan province in China, growing on grassy slopes at 3,400m (11,200ft) elevation. S. atropurpurea grows on one erect stem to 50cm (20in) tall. The leaves are ovate to broadly ovate, ranging in size from 3.5 to 10.5cm (1.4 to 4.1in) long and approximately 2.5 to 9cm (0.98 to 3.54in) wide.