Black Sage
Salvia mellifera
Also listed as Audibertia spinulosa, Audibertia stachyoides
Also known as Californian Black Sage
Climate Match for your location
See how well Black Sage grows in your area.
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Black sage is a California native shrub with aromatic dark green foliage and delicate purple-blue flowers that attract bees and hummingbirds. It thrives in dry, sunny conditions and requires minimal water once established.
Why grow it
Black sage offers better drought tolerance than many ornamental sages once established, making it a practical choice for water-conscious gardens in Mediterranean or semi-arid climates. It flowers over a longer season than some native alternatives and produces reliable nectar for pollinators without requiring supplemental fertilizer or frequent maintenance.
Watch out for
Young plants benefit from occasional deep watering during their first year, as establishment takes longer than in irrigated settings. In coastal or high-humidity regions, it may develop fungal issues if drainage is poor or air circulation is restricted around the base.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Lamiaceae
Native to the United States
Native Range
California native
Native to: California
Seasonality
Bloom Season
Harvest Season
Edible Parts
Season of Interest
Shrub
Woody multi-stem plants at eye level.
Succession Role
Tolerances & Soil
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Propagation
Black sage is a California native shrub with aromatic dark green foliage and delicate purple-blue flowers that attract bees and hummingbirds. It thrives in dry, sunny conditions and requires minimal water once established.
Climate Match for your location
See how well Black Sage grows in your area.
Enter your ZIP code and we'll show you how this plant fits your local climate.
Why grow it
Black sage offers better drought tolerance than many ornamental sages once established, making it a practical choice for water-conscious gardens in Mediterranean or semi-arid climates. It flowers over a longer season than some native alternatives and produces reliable nectar for pollinators without requiring supplemental fertilizer or frequent maintenance.
Watch out for
Young plants benefit from occasional deep watering during their first year, as establishment takes longer than in irrigated settings. In coastal or high-humidity regions, it may develop fungal issues if drainage is poor or air circulation is restricted around the base.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Lamiaceae
Native to the United States
Native Range
California native
Native to: California
Seasonality
Bloom Season
Harvest Season
Edible Parts
Season of Interest
Shrub
Woody multi-stem plants at eye level.
Succession Role
Tolerances & Soil
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Propagation
Similar shrubs you might consider:
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