Salvia mellifera (black sage)

Black Sage

The most common sage in California. A mounding shrub that grows quickly up to six feet high and ten feet wide. Has attractive dark green leaves, with raised texture that looks somewhat like a fingerprint pattern when viewed closely.  White, to pale blue, to lavender, or rarely to pale rose color flowers that bloom March through July. The plant flowers are an important food source for butterflies and hummingbirds. Companion plants for Salvia mellifera are Quercus agrifolia, Trichostema lanatum, Keckiella cordifolia, and Eriogonum fasciculatum. 

-Full sun and tolerates part shade

-Grows on a variety of different soils, including sandstone, shale, granite, serpentinite, and gabbro or basalt

-Attracts birds, butterflies, bees, and hummingbirds

-California Native