Salvia himmelbaurii is a perennial plant that is found growing on grassy slopes at 3,300 m (10,800 ft) elevation in Sichuan province in China. It grows 30 to 45 cm (12 to 18 in) tall, with cordate-ovate leaves that are 5 to 10 cm (2.0 to 3.9 in) long and 3.5 to 7.5 cm (1.4 to 3.0 in) wide. The upper leaf surface is covered with soft hairs, with the underside having hairs especially on the veins.