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.