Salvia lyrata, Lyreleaf Sage

Salvia lyrata

Synonym(s)

(--)

Common Name(s)

Lyreleaf Sage; Lyre-leaved Sage

Phonetic Spelling

SAL-vee-ah leer-RAY-tuh

Description

Lyreleaf sage is an herbaceous perennial in the mint family (Lamiaceae) native to the eastern and central United States. The plant forms a rosette. Each leaf is lobed like a lyre, hence the species epithet, which is Latin for “lyre-like.”

Plant in poor-to-average, medium-moist, well-drained soil in full sun to partial shade. It tolerates heat and humidity, as well as drought, once established. Lyreleaf sage is moderately resistant to browsing by deer (they tend to eat the erect flower stalks but not the basal leaves). Propagate by collecting seeds before seed capsules fully dry out. It reseeds easily in loose, sandy soil.

Family

Lamiaceae

Native Range

Eastern and central United States

Hardiness Zone(s)

5a --to-- 8b

Lifespan

Perennial

Habitats

--

Exposure

Full Sun --to-- Full Shade

Growth Habit

Erect, Prostrate

Soil Texture

Clay, Loam (Sand/Silt/Clay), Sand

Propagation

--Seeds
--Division

Moisture

Usually moist, occasional inundation --to-- Not wet but not extremely dry

Salt Water Tolerance

Not salt tolerant of inundation by salty or brackish water.

Salt Spray Tolerance

Low/no tolerance of salty wind or direct salt spray.

Attracts

Butterflies, Hummingbirds, Pollinators

Recommended Uses

Butterfly Gardens, Mass Planting, Native Garden, Naturalized Area, Pollinator Gardens, Woodland

Pot Size

Trade Gallon (about 3 quarts)