General Culture:
Easily grown in average, medium to wet soils in full sun. Prefers moist, sandy or clay soils. Tolerates very light shade, but best in full sun. Also tolerates heat and humidity. Self-seeds and naturalizes in optimum growing conditions.
Noteworthy Characteristics:
Cancer weed is a Missouri native perennial which typically occurs in moist or sandy soils in open woods, clearings, thickets and streambanks in the southeastern Ozark region of the State. Features whorls of two-lipped, lavender blue flowers (1 inch long) in upright, interrupted spikes which typically rise above the foliage to 1-2' tall. Flowers bloom in mid to late spring. Irregularly lobed, basal leaves (often somewhat lyre-shaped) with smaller and sparser stem leaves. Also commonly called lyre-leaved sage. A mint family member that is attractive to bees and butterflies.
Problems:
No serious insect or disease problems.
Uses:
Borders, cottage gardens, native plant gardens, wild or naturalized plantings or moist areas in low spots or along streams or ponds.
© Missouri Botanical
Garden, 2001-2010
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