Salvia mellifera

Common Names:

• Black Sage

Phonetic Spelling:

SAL-vee-uh mel-ih-FER-uh

Description:

Salvia mellifera is a perennial evergreen shrub that typically grows 1 to 2 meters (3 to 6 feet) tall and wide. It has a dense, rounded form with woody stems and aromatic leaves. The leaves are narrow, lance-shaped, and dark green, with a slightly wrinkled texture. They are covered with fine hairs and have a strong, sage-like fragrance when crushed. The plant produces small, tubular flowers that are pale blue, lavender, or white. The flowers are arranged in whorls along spikes and bloom in late spring to early summer. The fruits are small nutlets that form after the flowers fade. They are not particularly ornamental but help in seed dispersal.

Distribution/Location:

Native to the coastal regions of California and Baja California, Mexico. It is commonly found in the coastal sage scrub and chaparral communities

Environmental Concerns:

Conservation efforts focus on protecting coastal sage scrub habitats from urban development, invasive species, and habitat fragmentation. Restoration projects often include planting native shrubs like Salvia mellifera to restore ecological balance.

Additional Notes:

Black Sage is a key species in coastal sage scrub ecosystems, providing habitat and food for various wildlife, including birds, insects, and small mammals. Its flowers are particularly attractive to bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds, making it an important pollinator plant.

Historically, Native American tribes used Black Sage for medicinal purposes, including treating colds, wounds, and rheumatism. The leaves were also used in cooking and as a flavoring.