Black sage (Salvia mellifera)

General information:

Black sage is the most common sage species found in California. Although black sage isn’t as pretty as other sage species, black sage plays an important role in California’s ecosystem. Several different kinds of pollinators rely on black sage as a food source.

Appearance:

You can identify black sage by their flower size and color. Black sage flowers are small, and can have various colors. Some of these color variations include: white, pale/light blue, and lavender. Black sage are a shrub type of plant, and grow up to 6 feet tall, and become 10 feet wide!

Plant growth, season, and dormancy:

Black sage tends to grow at a moderate rate, and can be evergreen or deciduous during the summer months. Black sage requires a lot of sun, and needs well-draining soil. Its flowering seasons include: winter, spring, and summer.

Landscaping information:

Black sage requires direct, full sunlight therefore it can be resilient during drought/dry seasons! This plant is a low moisture plant, meaning it does not require a strict watering/irrigation regimen once planted. It is very easy to care for, making it a great choice for any novice gardeners! It can tolerate temperatures as low as 30ºF, and a p.H. level of 4.0-8.0.

How to use:

Black sage is often used for the following purposes: bee gardens, butterfly gardens, bird gardens, hedges, bank stabilization, and ground cover.

Pollinators helped:

Black sage helps support the following pollinators by providing food:

-Bees

-Butterflies

-Hummingbirds

-Quails

-Towhees