Salvia tolimensis is a perennial shrub endemic to a very small region in Colombia (Tolima) growing on streamsides, scrublands, and forest edges in wet conditions at 2400 to 3500 m (7,874 to 11,482.9 ft) elevation. The plant is a vigorous undershrub, about 1 metres (3.3 ft) high, with narrow ovate leaves that are 6 to 10 cm (2.4 to 3.9 in) long and 2.5 to 4 cm (0.984251968503937 to 1.6 in) wide. The purple flowers are 2.2 to 2.5 cm (0.866141732283465 to 0.984251968503937 in) long.