Black Sage: A True Habitat Hero!

When planning out your California native backyard, remember to add black sage (Salvia mellifera) to your listing. 

This sun-loving plant can develop as much as 6 ft excessive and 10 ft extensive, so ensure you have a big sufficient spot that will get a ton of solar. It’s simple to develop and requires no water as soon as established. What makes black sage so enticing is its very fragrant leaves and when it blooms, it produces lovely pale blue, lavender, and white tubular flowers.

This plant is a magnet for pollinators and a habitat oasis for birds. 

Black sage attracts a number of species of moths and butterflies, which implies it may also be crawling with caterpillars – the staple weight-reduction plan of many songbirds, particularly when feeding their younger. Many different species of bugs have additionally developed to rely on this plant. The blooming flowers entice all types of bees, and hummingbirds love them, too. The seeds are devoured by floor dwelling birds reminiscent of California towhees, mourning doves, and lots of sparrow species. The plant itself is essential as a result of it offers an amazing place for birds to cover in to flee predators and even to construct a nest in.

If you wish to be taught extra in regards to the birds this habitat hero attracts and uncover the various different advantages native crops supply wildlife and people, take a look at the Audubon Plants for Birds Website. 

Undecided if black sage is native to your space? Look here to see a map of  this plant’s native vary. 

In case you are in Los Angeles, please cease by Los Nogales Nursery and have a look round. The pleasant workers will help you navigate the nursery to search out the right match to your setting. And hold an eye fixed out for these playing cards under which might be displayed all through the nursery. They offer you an concept of what birds might be attracted by the plant and likewise present strolling instructions to see the plant rising in one of many Audubon Middle at Debs Park’s many habitat restoration websites. 

Let’s hold planting crops for birds!