Cancer Weed | Plant Profile

Cancer Weed (Salvia lyrata) are midwest wildflowers that naturally occur in low spots or along stream banks. Sparsely occurring, nodding flowers rise above the foliage. The lavender/blue flowers are relatively small. A member of the mint family, the irregular leaves are fragrant and attractive to butterflies and other beneficial insects.

Cancer Weed prefers average fertility, medium to wet soils in full sun.

Cancer Weed is best left for naturalized areas or pollinator gardens. The sparse and irregular leaves and flowers are rarely considered to be ornamentally appropriate for landscaping near housing.