Californian Black Sage
Salvia mellifera
Family: Lamiaceae or Labiatae
What it is like
Salvia mellifera is an evergreen Shrub growing to 2 m (6ft 7in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 8. It is in leaf all year. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Bees. Suitable for: light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers dry or moist soil.
Height (m): 2
Where it is found
Found in coastal sage scrub and chaparral plant communities.
South-western N. America - California.
Conservation Status:
Countries/locations it is found in
How it is used
Food
Rating: 1
The aromatic leaves can be brewed into a tea. The leaves and stems can be used as a food flavouring. The seeds can be dried then ground into a powder and used as a gruel.
Seed: includes nuts, cereals, peas and beans.
Condiment: the various plants that are used as flavourings, either as herbs, spices or condiments.
Tea: the various herb teas that can be used in place of tea, plus the genuine article.
Medicine
Rating: 2
The green leaves are cardiac and carminative. An infusion has been used in the treatment of heart complaints. They can be chewed in the treatment of gas pains. A poultice of the heated leaves can be applied to the ear in the treatment of ear pains, or to the neck in the treatment of sore throats. A decoction of the plant has been used in the treatment of chronic bronchial coughs. The decoction has also been used as a bath in the treatment of paralysis.
Analgesic: Relieves pain.
Cardiac: Used in the treatment of heart problems.
Carminative: Reduces flatulence and expels gas from the intestines.
Pectoral: Relieves respiratory diseases, a remedy for chest diseases.
Other
Rating:
How it is grown
Requires a very well-drained light sandy soil in a sunny position. Prefers a rich soil. Soils rich in nitrogen encourage excessive leaf growth at the expense of flowering. This species is not hardy in the colder areas of the country, it tolerates temperatures down to between -5 and -10°c. Plants can be killed by excessive winter wet. Members of this genus are rarely if ever troubled by browsing deer.
Propagating it: Seed - sow March/April in a greenhouse. Germination usually takes place within 2 weeks. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots when they are large enough to handle and plant them out in early summer. In areas where the plant is towards the limits of its hardiness, it is best to grow the plants on in a greenhouse for their first winter and plant them out in late spring of the following year. Cuttings of half-ripe wood succeed at almost any time in the growing season.
Best place to grow: Woodland Garden Sunny Edge;
Habit: Shrub
Hardiness: 7-10
Growth:
Soil: Light (sandy), medium
Shade: No shade
Moisture: Dry, moist