Salvia mellifera (Black Sage)

Salvia mellifera (Black Sage) is a semi-evergreen, openly branched and spreading, woody shrub with very aromatic foliage of wrinkled, dark green leaves, 1-3 in. long (2-7 cm), with paler undersides. It is semi-deciduous, depending on the location and severity of the drought. Blooming from mid-spring to mid-summer, compact whorls of light blue, white, or lavender flowers, spaced at intervals along the tall stems, can be enjoyed. They are an essential food source for bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. Black Sage is considered one of the Pacific Coast’s best honey plants. The seeds are essential food for quail and other birds. Long-lived (20-30 years), Black sage is a suitable revegetation species because of its drought resistance, spreading habit, and rapid growth rate. Its much-branched and fibrous root system makes it ideal for erosion control in southern California. Found in habitats ranging from coastal bluffs to inland foothills, from northern to southern California and Baja California, Black sage is also well adapted to sunny garden locations on well-drained soils and with low amounts of supplemental water during summer. Native Americans have used Black Sage for culinary purposes. Seeds were parched and ground into a meal used in baking. Crushed leaves and stems were used as a mint-flavored condiment.

• Grows up to 3-6 ft. tall (90-180 cm) and 3-10 ft. wide (90-300 cm).
• Performs best in full sun in well-drained soils. Tolerates a variety of soils, including sandstone, shale, granite, serpentinite, and gabbro or basalt. Drought tolerant once established.
• Great for borders, butterfly gardens, water-wise gardens, and Mediterranean gardens. It can be used for bank stabilization, as a groundcover, or as an informal hedge.
• No serious pest or disease issues. Due to its pungent odor and bitter taste, black sage is unpalatable primarily to most livestock and wildlife. Deer resistant.
• Propagate by division, rooted sections, or seed sown in fall outdoors.
• Native to California.