Cancer Weed, Lyreleaf Sage
Salvia lyrata
Family: Lamiaceae or Labiatae
What it is like
Bloom Color: Lavender, White. Main Bloom Time: Early summer, Late summer, Mid summer. Form: Irregular or sprawling.
Salvia lyrata is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.6 m (2ft) by 0.5 m (1ft 8in) at a medium rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 5. It is in flower from July to August. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Bees. Suitable for: light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers dry or moist soil.
Height (m): 0.6
Where it is found
Sandy soils and lawns.
Eastern N. America - Pennsylvania to Florida, west to Texas and Illinois.
Conservation Status:
Countries/locations it is found in
How it is used
Food
Rating: 0
Medicine
Rating: 2
The plant is diaphoretic and mildly laxative. It can be used in the treatment of diarrhoea, coughs and colds. The fresh leaves are applied to remove warts. The plant is also a folk remedy for cancer. The leaves and seeds are made into an ointment to cure wounds and sores. The root can be used to make a salve for sores.
Diaphoretic: Induces perspiration.
Laxative: Stimulates bowel movements in a fairly gentle manner.
Salve: Soothes and heals damaged skin.
Warts: Used in the treatment of warts, corns etc.
Other
Rating: 0
How it is grown
Landscape Uses:Seashore. Requires a very well-drained light sandy soil in a sunny position. Prefers a rich soil. Plants can be killed by excessive winter wet. Members of this genus are rarely if ever troubled by browsing deer. Special Features:Attractive foliage, North American native, Attracts butterflies, Suitable for cut flowers.
Propagating it: Seed - sow March/April in a greenhouse. Germination usually takes place within 2 weeks. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots when they are large enough to handle and plant them out in early summer. In areas where the plant is towards the limits of its hardiness, it is best to grow the plants on in a greenhouse for their first winter and plant them out in late spring of the following year. Cuttings of half-ripe wood succeed at almost any time in the growing season.
Best place to grow: Cultivated Beds;
Habit: Perennial
Hardiness: 4-9
Growth: Medium
Soil: Light (sandy), medium
Shade: No shade
Moisture: Dry, moist