Salvia lyrata
| Salvia lyrata | |
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| Species: | S. lyrata
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| Salvia lyrata | |
Salvia lyrata (Lyre-leaf sage, Lyreleaf sage, Wild sage, Cancerweed), is a species of sage native to the eastern United States, typically growing in woodlands from Connecticut west to Missouri, and south to Florida and east to Texas.[1]
Description
Salvia lyrata is a herbaceous perennial wildflower that forms a basal rosette of leaves that are up to 8 inches (20 cm) long, broadening toward the tip. The leaves have irregular margins and are typically pinnately lobed or cut, looking somewhat like a lyre. The center vein is sometimes dark wine-purple. A hairy stem up to 2 feet (0.61 m) long grows from the rosette, with uneven whorls of two-lipped lavender to blue flowers. Flowering is heaviest between April and June, though sparse flowering can happen throughout the year. The leaves were once thought to be an external cure for cancer, thus one of the common names "Cancerweed".[2] Salvia lyrata grows in full sun or light to medium shade, with native stands found on roadsides, fields, and open woodlands.[3]
Cultivation and uses
Salvia lyrata is sometimes grown in gardens for its attractive foliage and flowers, though it can prolifically seed, easily becoming a lawn weed. Several cultivars have been developed with purple leaves. 'Burgundy Bliss' and 'Purple Knockout' are two cultivars with burgundy leaves that are deeper in color than the species.[1][4] Native Americans used the root as a salve for sores, and used the whole plant as a tea for colds and coughs.[5][6]
Gallery
Notes
- ^ a b Armitage, Allan M. (2006). Armitage's Native Plants for North American Gardens. Timber Press. pp. 335–336. ISBN 9780881927603.
- ^ Duever, Linda Conway. "Salvia lyrata". Floridata. Retrieved 2009-03-11.
- ^ "Lyreleaf Sage" (PDF). USDA Plant Fact Sheet. United States Department of Agriculture. Retrieved 2009-03-12.
- ^ Anisko, Tomasz (2008). When Perennials Bloom. Timber Press. p. 402. ISBN 9780881928877.
- ^ Choukas-Bradley, Melanie (2004). An Illustrated Guide to Eastern Woodland Wildflowers and Trees. University of Virginia Press. pp. 210–211. ISBN 9780813922515.
{{cite book}}: Unknown parameter|coauthors=ignored (|author=suggested) (help) - ^ Moerman, Daniel E. (1998). Native American Ethnobotany. 9780881924534. p. 510.