Salvia mellifera (Californian black sage, also known as seel by the Mahuna[1]) is a small, highly aromatic, evergreen shrub of the genus Salvia (the sages) native to California, and Baja California, Mexico.

Californian black sage is a perennial shrub that grows approximately 1–2 meters (3.3–6.6 ft) tall.

The fruit produced by the black sage is a schizocarp composed of four 2–3 mm (0.079–0.118 in) brown nutlets.

[2] Black sage is able to grow on a variety of different soils, including sandstone, shale, granite, serpentinite, and gabbro or basalt.

Black sage honey can only be made when specific rain conditions are met and the plant produces enough nectar.