Salvia subpalmatinervis is a perennial plant that is native to Yunnan province in China, found growing in thickets, forests, and hilly grasslands at 3,400 to 4,000 m (11,200 to 13,100 ft) elevation. S. subpalmatinervis grows on one to three erect stems to 50 cm (20 in) tall, with mostly basal leaves that are ovate to circular.