Black Sage
Salvia mellifera
Last reviewed: July 2026
Salvia mellifera (Black Sage) is a drought-tolerant California native shrub that produces fragrant white to pale lavender flowers from April through July. This evergreen plant attracts bees, hummingbirds, and butterflies while requiring minimal water once established.
Black Sage (Salvia mellifera) is not on the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center toxic plant list for dogs or cats (aspca.org (opens in new tab), last reviewed 2026-05-21). If your pet shows symptoms after eating any plant, call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435.
Light
full sun
Water
low
Size
24"–60" H × 36"–72" W
Bloom
Apr, May, Jun, Jul
Native to
CA
Pollinators
bees, hummingbirds, butterflies
Browse plants for this ecoregion
Black sage is an aromatic native shrub with dark green, wrinkled leaves and whorls of small white to pale lavender flowers on tall stalks. It grows in a rounded form, becoming woodier with age, and offers excellent drought tolerance once established.
Growing Black Sage
Grow Black Sage in full sun and low water. Mature plants reach 24 to 60 inches tall and spread 36 to 72 inches wide. Expect moderate maintenance to keep it looking intentional in a front yard.
In an HOA neighborhood
Black Sage is an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement. Maintenance level: moderate. Tidiness: 3 out of 5.
Works well in: mid zone, street edge.
- Can look somewhat rangy or untidy if not occasionally pruned
- May appear dormant/stressed during extreme drought
- Woody structure becomes more visible with age
Wildlife value
Black sage is highly attractive to native bees, honeybees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. Its nectar is an important food source for pollinators from spring through summer.
Common questions
- When does Black Sage bloom?
- Black Sage typically blooms from April through July, producing clusters of small white to pale lavender flowers that are highly attractive to pollinators.
- What pollinators visit Salvia mellifera?
- Black Sage attracts a diverse range of pollinators including native bees, hummingbirds, and butterflies. The nectar-rich flowers are particularly important for supporting local pollinator populations.
- Where is Black Sage native to?
- Salvia mellifera is native to California, where it naturally occurs in coastal sage scrub, chaparral, and oak woodland habitats throughout much of the state.
- How much water does Black Sage need?
- Black Sage is extremely drought tolerant and requires minimal supplemental watering once established. It is well-adapted to California's dry summer climate and performs best with infrequent, deep watering.
- Is Black Sage toxic to dogs?
- Black Sage is not on the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center toxic plant list for dogs (aspca.org).
- Is Black Sage toxic to cats?
- Black Sage is not on the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center toxic plant list for cats (aspca.org).
- Is Black Sage HOA-friendly?
- Black Sage is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with moderate maintenance.
Native range data from the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.
Ready to grow Black Sage? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.
Not sure where to start? Take the 2-minute yard quiz