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. Seed dispersal takes place in October. Late spring leaves and summer leaves persist through the winter. Decreases in soil moisture and amounts of precipitation have a significant impact on the phenology of this species. Generally there is a gradual buildup of root reserves from a seasonal low in March to floral bud development in August.