black sage

noun

1. a shrubby Californian plant, Salvia mellifera, of the mint family, having an interrupted spike of lavender-blue or white flowers.

Word History and Origins

Origin of black sage¹

An Americanism dating back to 1875–80

Example Sentences

“They must be gone now, Shanter,” Rifle said at last, after two or three dampings from that black sage.

From Project Gutenberg

As he slipped from his blankets the same strong smell of black sage and juniper smote him, almost like a blow.

From Project Gutenberg

When he came within gunshot of the flock the smell of sheep effectually smothered the keen, tasty odor of black sage and juniper.

From Project Gutenberg