Black Sage

Salvia mellifera Lamiaceae

Other names

California Black Sage

Growth habit

Shrub

Perennation

Cultivated as annual

Native distribution

CA, Northern Baja

Biocultural value

Bees produce a clear honey from this California sage that is prized by bee keepers.

Location

Robison Herb Garden

Source of plant

J.L. Hudson, Seedsman, Companion Plants, Well-Sweep Herb Farm

Description

Shrub reaching 7' in height; stems often glandular-pubescent, the leaves oblong-elliptic, 3/4" to 2 1/2" long, crenulate, green and rugose above, white-tomentose beneath; inflorescence an interrupted spike, the corolla about 1/2" long, lavender-blue.

USDA Hardiness Zone

9

Special characteristics

tender perennial, bee plant