Salvia heterochroa is a perennial plant that is native to Yunnan province in China, found growing on grassy slopes at 3,500 to 3,800 m (11,500 to 12,500 ft) elevation. S. heterochroa grows on one or two stems, with elliptic-ovate leaves that range in size from 4 to 13 cm (1.6 to 5.1 in) long and 2.5 to 10 cm (0.98 to 3.94 in) wide.