Lobelia cardinalis (syn. L. fulgens, cardinal flower) is a species of flowering plant in the bellflower family Campanulaceae native to the Americas, from southeastern Canada south through the eastern and southwestern United States, Mexico and Central America to northern Colombia.
Family:
Campanulaceae (Bellflower)
Height:
2 to 4 feet
Leaves:
Alternate, dark green, with irregular teeth, up to 6" long
Flower:
Bright red, alternate on stem forming a spike, irregular shape (3 lower and 2 upper petals) forming a tube
Bloom time:
July-September
Nicknames:
Lobelia, Asthma Weed, Gagroot, Bladderpod
Habitat:
Tolerates part shade to sun. A common plant of wet meadows, moist open woodlands, and pond or marsh edges.
Wildlife Benefits:
Nectar source for hummingbirds and some swallowtail butterflies.
Can I plant this in my garden?
Cardinal flower does well in moist to wet soils high in organic matter. Keep soil damp if planted in full sun. It is a short-lived perennial so it must re-seed to persist.
References:
https://www.minnesotawildflowers.info/flower/cardinal-flower
https://www.illinoiswildflowers.info/wetland/plants/cardinal.htm
Family | Campanulaceae |
---|---|
Life cycle | perennial |
Origin | native |
Flower | red |
Habit | Forb |
Bloom time | (7) July, (8) August, (9) September |
*sites | Keller Golf Course, Snail Lake |