Lobelia cardinalis (Cardinal Flower)
This striking scarlet-spiked wildflower grows along streams and in the wetlands, attracting hummingbirds with the color and shape of its flowers. The plant blooms from late July to mid-September.
Cardinal flower blossoms are rather delicate, and gradually open from bottom to top on slender, long spikes. Five flower petals form a two-lipped corolla. The lower lip has three large petals and upper one two small ones. The red tube around the style contains 5 joined stamens. The stamens are topped with white bearded anthers.
