Black Sage (Salvia mellifera) is an aromatic, openly branched evergreen shrub native to California coastal sage scrub. It is a major contributor to the characteristic pungent aroma of the region. Growing to a height of 3-6 feet and up to 10 feet wide, this shrub is less showy than other salvia species but is an important food source for bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. Its small, pale blue-lavender flowers occur in compact balls or dense whorls along upright stalks from April to July. After blooming, its seeds provide food for birds, including quail and towhees.

Why Choose Black Sage?

• Pollinator Magnet: An important food source for bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds.
• Host Plant: Serves as a host plant for several species of butterflies and moths, including the gray hairstreak and California pyrausta moth.
• Drought Tolerant: A low-moisture plant that requires no supplemental water once established. It is drought-deciduous, with smaller, curled leaves in summer to reduce water loss.
• Erosion Control: Ideal for bank stabilization and groundcover on slopes.
• Pollinator-Safe: Grown non-GMO and free of harmful neonicotinoids, promoting a healthy ecosystem for pollinators and wildlife.

Available in sets of three, six, or 12 plants to suit any garden size.

Planting Tips:

1. Location: Plant in full sun with well-draining soil.
2. Watering: Requires no supplemental water once established. Overwatering can lead to root rot.
3. Maintenance: Minimal care required. Woody, evergreen, and aromatic, it is a great choice for a low-maintenance, drought-tolerant landscape.

For more information on planting, view our How to Plant Your Native Plants guide and other planting tips in the Garden for Wildlife Learning Center.

Bring the characteristic fragrance and ecological benefits of Black Sage to your garden—a resilient and vital native shrub for supporting wildlife in dry, sunny landscapes.

Shipping Range:

• CA

Zip Code Verification: Our plants are grown regionally to thrive where you live and help local wildlife. Confirm availability for your area using the zip code checker near the add to cart button above.

Returns: Due to the nature of our products, we are unable to offer order cancellations, returns or exchanges. In order to guarantee your satisfaction, all plants are covered by our Plant Guarantee.

*To ensure your plants arrive healthy, we may delay shipments to certain areas during times of extreme temperatures, natural disasters, or other conditions that will impact the plants during transit

Sizing: At the time of shipment, our plants have a developed root mass and emerging foliage around 4-8” high.

Recommended container sizes (in width) for container planting:

• 12 In
• 18 In
• 24 In
• 36 In
• 48 In