Lobelia cardinalis

Lobelia cardinalis, commonly known as the Cardinal Flower, is a species of flowering plant in the bellflower family Campanulaceae. Native to the Americas, from southeastern Canada to the northeastern United States, it is a perennial herbaceous plant that typically grows in wet places such as stream banks and swamps.

Description

Lobelia cardinalis grows up to 1.2 meters tall and produces large, showy red flowers. The leaves are lanceolate and serrated, and the plant has a simple, erect stem. The flowers are tubular, two-lipped, and slightly asymmetrical, with the three lobes of the lower lip appearing more prominent. The fruit is a dehiscent capsule containing numerous small seeds.

Cultivation and uses

Lobelia cardinalis is cultivated as an ornamental plant for its vibrant red flowers. It is also used in traditional medicine by Native American tribes for a variety of ailments, including stomach pains and syphilis. However, the plant contains alkaloids that can be toxic if ingested in large amounts.

Ecology

Lobelia cardinalis is a food source for several species of Lepidoptera, including the Spicebush Swallowtail and the Eastern Tiger Swallowtail. It is also a preferred nectar source for the Ruby-throated Hummingbird.

Taxonomy

The species was first described by Carl Linnaeus in 1753. The genus name Lobelia honors the Flemish botanist Matthias de Lobel, while the species epithet cardinalis refers to the cardinal red color of the flowers.

See also

• List of Lobelia species
• Flora of the United States

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