Lobelia cardinalis

Lobelia cardinalis cardinal flower

Plant grows in the wild/spontaneouslyPlant is native to PA Add to MyPlants

Slender spikes of bright red, irregularly shaped flowers draw our attention along stream banks and around the edges of wetlands. The cardinal flower likes to grow in clumps and because of its shape is pollinated by hummingbirds.

Frequent in wet meadows, marshes & swamps & shores of streams & lakes.

Present throughout the state.

Range: From southern Canada to Texas.

Wetland codes
EMP: FACW
NCNE: OBL



Flowers July through September.

Inflorescence  a terminal raceme

Flowers  2-lipped brilliant scarlet tubular corolla, lower lip has 3 lobes, upper lip 2 reduced lobes; 

Leaves  simple, alternate,  lance-shaped, toothed

Stems  stiff & erect; usually unbranched

Height  2-4 feet

Bright scarlet color, grows near water/wetland.

S-rank:  S5 (Secure)
G-rank:  G5 (Secure)

Native Americans used the root of this plant to treat venerial diseases and occasionally as an expectorant.

Ruby-throated hummingbirds are the main pollinators.  Some butterflies like Black Swallowtail and bees also come for the nectar and aid in pollination.

Lobelia cardinalis cardinal flower

Plant grows in the wild/spontaneouslyPlant is native to PA
Lobelia cardinalis gallery
Plant Life-Form
perennial forb
Common Names