Quantitative trait loci analysis of phenolic acids contents in Salvia miltiorrhiza based on genomic simple sequence repeat markers

•A genetic linkage map of Salvia miltiorrhiza was constructed based on genomic simple sequence repeat markers.•The genetic map with eight linkage groups spanned 397.5 cM with an average marker interval of 3.6 cM.•A total of six QTL were identified for salvianolic acid B, rosmarinic acid and lithospermic acid content, respectively.•These QTL will be useful for breeding to improve Salvia miltiorrhiza traits.