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.
Establishment can occur even on fairly severe sites during good years.
Black sagebrush is usually associated with areas with little soil profile development in desert valleys and on west and south exposures along the lower slopes of the high desert foothills. Plants may form dense stands and dominate large areas or may be associated with a large variety of both grasses and shrubs. Mature, self-perpetuating stands of black sagebrush are considered to be indicators of climax conditions. Seedlings are present during early seral stages and plants coexist with later arriving species. Growth is initiated in April, with new leaves being produced from May throughout most of the summer.