Black sage exhibits a complex germination behavior that permits seedling establishment under a number of environmental conditions. Most seeds germinated within the first week. Black sage typically occurs at low elevations on the coastal and inland sides of the California Coast Range. Black sage typically occupies gaps within the chaparral canopy.
Plants die back somewhat in the winter and produce new growth in the spring.
Large leaves develop on main shoots during the winter when moisture is most abundant and these are dropped over the summer drought period.