California Gardens - The Year Round Gardening Site

Salvia lyrata - Meadow Sage, Cancer Weed

Salvia lyrata is a sage that has historically been used for a number of herbal remedies including removing warts and cancers, hence the common name. Salvia lyrata can be a little invasive in consistently moist environments. That is rarely a problem in California gardens. Meadow Sage has not been affected by cold in any of my plantings. Meadow Sage seems to prefer a little shade in the inland valleys. I use Salvia lyrata in the landscape as I would Ajuga, often as a groundcover around other plantings where the spikes of blue flowers stand out nicely against the colored foliage.

Salvia lyrata, Meadow Sage, Cancer Weed

Flowers and foliage of Salvia lyrata, Meadow Sage, Cancer Weed.