Lyre-leaf Sage
Salvia lyrata
Last reviewed: August 2026
Salvia lyrata (Lyre-leaf Sage) is a native wildflower blooming blue-purple from May through July across the eastern and central United States. This drought-tolerant perennial attracts bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds to woodland edges and prairies.
Toxicity unknown
Lyre-leaf Sage (Salvia lyrata) is not listed by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (opens in new tab) or the other sources we check, so we have no verdict for it either way. Absence from those lists is not a clearance. If your pet shows symptoms after eating any plant, call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435.
Light
part sun
Water
low
Size
8"–24" H × 12"–18" W
Bloom
May, Jun, Jul
Native to
AL, CT, FL, IL and 9 more states
Pollinators
bees, butterflies, hummingbirds
Before you buy
Your city may pay you to plant this
Cities and water utilities offer rebates for replacing lawn with native and water-wise plants. We track 437 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.
Find rebates in your areaBrowse plants for this ecoregion
Lyre-leaf sage is a low-growing perennial with distinctive lobed leaves that form attractive rosettes. It produces spikes of small blue to purple flowers from late spring through summer, creating a neat groundcover appearance.
Growing Lyre-leaf Sage
Grow Lyre-leaf Sage in part sun and low water. Mature plants reach 8 to 24 inches tall and spread 12 to 18 inches wide. Expect low maintenance to keep it looking intentional in a front yard.
In an HOA neighborhood
Lyre-leaf Sage is an HOA-friendly choice. Maintenance level: low. Tidiness: 4 out of 5.
Works well in: front yard, foundation, street edge, mid zone.
Wildlife value
This native sage attracts bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds with its nectar-rich flowers. The long bloom period provides consistent pollinator support through the growing season.
Common questions
- When does Lyre-leaf Sage bloom?
- Salvia lyrata produces its distinctive blue to purple flower spikes from May through July, providing nectar for pollinators throughout late spring and early summer.
- What pollinators visit Lyre-leaf Sage?
- This native sage attracts a diverse array of pollinators including native bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds, making it valuable for pollinator gardens and natural landscapes.
- Where is Salvia lyrata native?
- Lyre-leaf Sage is native to much of the eastern and central United States, including states from Florida north to New York and west to Texas and Kansas.
- What growing conditions does Lyre-leaf Sage prefer?
- This adaptable native thrives in partial sun to light shade with low to moderate water needs, making it excellent for naturalized areas and low-maintenance gardens.
- Is Lyre-leaf Sage HOA-friendly?
- Lyre-leaf Sage is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with low maintenance.
These answers were drafted with an AI model from this plant's data. Verify care details with a local expert.
See Lyre-leaf Sage in a real native yard
Lyre-leaf Sage is one of the natives used in these Patch Vision yard designs. Tap any one to see the before and after.
The after image is a Patch Vision preview, generated by an AI image model from the real yard photo. It replants the yard with native plants chosen to fit that yard's ecoregion, sun, and HOA strictness. The finished planting will look different.
Native range data from vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.
Ready to grow Lyre-leaf Sage? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.
Not sure where to start? Take the 2-minute yard quiz