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Black Sage

Salvia melifera

false

1 gallon

Plant Care

Black Sage

Out of stock

3'x3'

Sizes:

Native region:

Local Native; Mojave Desert

Water needs:

Low - Moderate

Exposure:

Filtered Sun

Mature size:

3'x3'

Growth rate:

Moderate

Flower color:

White; Blue; Violet

Flower season:

Winter; Spring; Summer

Pruning:

Overgrown or leggy shrubs can be cut back in the late fall to reduce size and
increase density.

Cold Hardiness:

15 Degrees

Nectar-producing:

Yes

Attracts pollinators:

Yes

Nighttime pollinators:

Yes

Butterflies or Moths:

Yes

Monarchs:

Yes

Rabbit-resistant:

Larval host:

Bees:

Yes

Bats:

Birds:

Yes

Nest site:

Yes

Nest materials:

Black Sage – Salvia mellifera

Black sage is the most common sage in California and northern Baja California, and one of the keystone species of the coastal sage scrub plant community. Black sages grow quickly, mounding to 3 to 6 feet in height and as wide. The plant has attractive dark green leaves, 1–3 inches long. It is semi-deciduous; leaves may curl or drop during summer drought. The plant is highly aromatic.

White to pale blue-lavender flowers occur in clusters at any time of the year, with heaviest bloom typically in spring. The flowers are an important food source for bees, butterflies (including the monarch), and hummingbirds, and the seeds provide a valuable food source for quail, towhee, and other seed-eating birds.

According to Calscape, there are a few spots locally of black sage, but it is not considered a widespread “local native” for the Coachella Valley or lower desert floor. It is, however, common in the lower Mojave Desert and nearby foothill regions. In my garden, a specimen planted this spring is showing surprising resilience — despite the normal stress of August heat, it appears to be surviving and adapting well.

Wildlife Value
Black Sage supports a rich variety of wildlife, especially pollinators and seed-eating birds.

Host Plant: Supports various moth and butterfly larvae, including species in the skipper and sphinx moth families.

Nectar Source: Monarch (Danaus plexippus), Sphinx moths (Sphingidae), Marine Blue (Leptotes marina), Reakirt’s Blue (Echinargus isola), various native solitary bees, honeybees.

Bird Resources: Caterpillars, seeds, nectar, and nesting habitat.

Bird Species: Hummingbirds (Anna’s Calypte anna and Costa’s Calypte costae — with Costa’s favoring native sources), White-crowned Sparrow (Zonotrichia leucophrys), Gambel’s Quail (Callipepla gambelii), California Towhee (Melozone crissalis).

Bees: Attracts a wide variety of native bees and honeybees, including specialist Anthophora and Osmia species where ranges overlap.

Growing Plants in the Desert — Important Information

The information presented here is, to the best of my knowledge, accurate and based on my research from reliable sources, observations I have made of plants growing in my, and other gardens I have visited, and observations of the plants in their native habitats. I would appreciate your feedback and experience to help me educate others!

Cacti: In my experience, cacti are much happier in the filtered shade here in the low desert of the Coachella Valley. Colors are more vibrant and they bloom more profusely, especially the non-native varieties. If you pay attention to how our native barrel and beavertail opuntia grow in the wild, it is frequently tucked in the rocks under creosote or another shrub.

Light Requirements: I have found that in our desert (Sonoran/Colorado) “full sun” plants can take and appreciate the late afternoon filtered sun, especially in the hot summer months.