Black sagebrush is a small, spreading, native, aromatic, evergreen shrub.
Although plants may have an upright habit, typically the branches are decumbent and arise from a spreading base. As a result, annual growth depends largely on soil moisture content near the ground surface. Numerous, wind-dispersed achenes are typically shed in October. Seeds require no dormancy breaking treatment and usually germinate the spring following dispersal. Bare mineral soil is needed for successful germination.