How to identify Lyreleaf sage (Salvia lyrata)

How to identify Lyreleaf sage (Salvia lyrata)

Lyreleaf sage, also known as Cancerweed

Lyreleaf sage is a perennial herb with a striking basal rosette of lyre-shaped leaves, easily distinguished by their lobed appearance. The plant typically reaches heights of 1 to 2 feet (30 to 60 cm) tall. From mid-spring to early summer, it sports lavender blossoms arranged in whorled rings encircling the upright stem. These flowers are known to be a magnet for butterflies, enhancing its ornamental appeal in a garden setting.

Lifespan: Perennial

Plant Type: Herb

Leaf Type: Evergreen, Deciduous

Quickly Identify Lyreleaf sage

Distinctive lyre-shaped basal leaves with lobed appearance.

Tubular flowers in whorls; vibrant shades of blue, white, and violet.

Schizocarp fruit with four chambers housing small brown nutlets.

Dark green leaves marked with purple-veined bract-like structures.

Hairy-textured stem, slender with light to purplish-green coloration.

Detailed Traits of Lyreleaf sage

Leaf Features

The leaves of lyreleaf sage are small, bract-like, and dark green, marked with veins that exhibit a purple hue. Basal leaves range from 3 to 8 inches (7.5 to 20 cm) in length and are attached by stalks. These leaves can exhibit either wavy-toothed margins or deep pinnate lobes, making them distinct. The texture is slightly coarse, and the unique combination of vein color and shape variations are key identifying features.

Leaf Shape

Ovate ,

Obovate ,

Elliptic ,

Circular

Leaf Arrangement

Whorled

Leaf Apex

Obtuse

Leaf Margin

Entire

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Flower Features

Lyreleaf sage flowers are vivid and charming, appearing in shades of bright to pale blue, white, and violet. They blossom in distinctive whorls along the upper part of the plant during April and May. Each flower is tubular, about 1 inch (2.5 cm) long, often with a slightly curved lip. The arrangement is dense yet graceful, creating an elegant spiral effect. These blooms are not only visually appealing but also attract various pollinators, celebrating spring with their colorful presence.

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Stem Features

The stem of lyreleaf sage is typically simple or sparingly branched. It is covered with fine, dense hairs giving it a distinctly hairy texture. The color of the stem ranges from light green to purplish-green. It is relatively slender, with a thickness varying between 0.1 to 0.2 inches (2.5 to 5 mm). The stem features sparse, alternating branches that contribute to its overall structure and support of the plant.

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Fruit Features

The fruit of lyreleaf sage is a schizocarp that splits into four distinct chambers upon maturity. Each chamber houses a single nutlet, a hard, small fruit resembling a seed. These nutlets are typically a brownish color, sometimes with a lighter or darker hue, and possess a smooth to slightly textured surface. They are quite diminutive in size, approximately 1/8 inch (around 3 mm) across, which may contribute to lyreleaf sage's propagation as they are easily carried by natural elements like wind or water. The fruit's compact nature and discrete chambers are key characteristics that aid in the identification of lyreleaf sage.

Learn About the Fruit Glossary

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Lyreleaf sage and Their Similar Plants

Rosemary vs. Lyreleaf sage: What's The Difference?

Rosemary is a herb with pale flowers and evergreen leaves. It gives off a distinctive scent and is used in cooking as well as in the making of scented perfumes, soaps, and candles. Rosemary is native to the Mediterranean region where evidence of its use by humans dates back at least 7000 years.

Woodland sage vs. Lyreleaf sage: What's The Difference?

Woodland sage is a clump-forming plant that is known for its purple flowers that grow on upright purple stems. This plant is especially attractive to butterflies and bees and the leaves give off a minty fragrance. This perennial should be cut back after flowering has concluded, usually in early fall.

Common sage vs. Lyreleaf sage: What's The Difference?

Salvia officinalis, colloquially known as common sage, is an evergreen woody shrub that grows in dry and stony places. It has a long history of cultivation for culinary purposes as well as for its distinctive scent, which is now incorporated into candles, potpourri, and beauty products, often combined with lemon. Common sage's lovely purple flowers adorn many gardens and flower beds all over the world.

Mealycup sage vs. Lyreleaf sage: What's The Difference?

The mealycup sage needs either full or partial sun in order to thrive. It can be an annual plant when grown in temperate climates and must be planted in times without frost in less temperate climates. There are a few varieties of mealycup sage, which can produce either violet, blue or white flowers.

Baby sage vs. Lyreleaf sage: What's The Difference?

Baby sage is an evergreen shrub that is commonly found in Mexico and the Southwestern United States. This plant has distinctive leaves, which when crushed produce a pleasant scent that is a mixture of mint and black currant. Flowers are usually vibrant and range in color from light pink and rose to magenta and red.

Scarlet sage vs. Lyreleaf sage: What's The Difference?

Scarlet sage (Salvia splendens) is a perennial herb native to Brazil. Its many small flowers are shaped such that hummingbirds and butterflies are the most common visitors. Scarlet sage is often cultivated ornamentally for decor, and it has become a mainstay in indoor flowerbeds such as those in shopping malls.

Blue anise sage vs. Lyreleaf sage: What's The Difference?

Blue anise sage (Salvia guaranitica) is a flowering perennial herb that attracts bees, hummingbirds, butterflies, and resists deer. It grows best in shade in rich soil and is drought resistant. Blue anise sage is common in gardens and considered easy to grow.

Autumn sage vs. Lyreleaf sage: What's The Difference?

Autumn sage (Salvia greggii) is a perennial, flowering shrub that grows from 61 to 91 cm tall. The flowers, typically red, can also be found in white, pink, orange, or purple. This disease and insect free plant is drought tolerant and attracts butterflies and hummingbirds. Perfect as a colorful, low-growing hedge.

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Key Facts About Lyreleaf sage

Attributes of Lyreleaf sage

Lifespan

Perennial

Plant Type

Herb

Plant Height

20 cm to 61 cm

Spread

15 cm to 30 cm

Leaf Color

Green

Flower Size

2.5 cm to 8 cm

Leaf type

Evergreen, Deciduous

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Scientific Classification of Lyreleaf sage

Phylum

Vascular plants

Class

Dicotyledons

Order

Mints plantains olives and allies

Family

Mint

Genus

Sages

Species

Lyreleaf sage (Salvia lyrata)

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Distribution Map of Lyreleaf sage

Lyreleaf sage (Salvia lyrata) is found in the wild only in its native North America, where it grows in twelve southern and eastern states in woods and open meadows. It is, however, a sage with great ornamental appeal and can be found in ornamental gardens throughout the US.

Native

Cultivated

Invasive

Potentially invasive

Exotic

No species reported

Learn More About the Lyreleaf sage

A Comprehensive Guide to Lyreleaf sage How to Grow and Care for Lyreleaf sage