Description

This is a rare sage in California, growing on the coastal side of the peninsular mountains of San Diego County. The population extends into Baja where the plant is more common. Munz’s sage grows as a rounded shrub to about three feet in height. The structure is naturally rather tidy - never sprawling. In most ways it resembles a miniature black sage, Salvia mellifera. The leaves are dark green with a typical rounded lance shape. Unlike the black sage, the flowers are consistently light blue to violet. A site with sun and fairly well-draining soil is preferred, but partial shade is also tolerated. If left unwatered, Munz’s sage will go dormant in the summer and look quite brown. Foliage quickly returns with the cool, moist months of fall. Occasional summer water will keep the sage green.