A native perennial which typically grows in moist locations along streams, sloughs, springs, swamps and in low wooded areas. A somewhat short-lived, clump-forming perennial which features erect, terminal spikes (racemes) of large, cardinal red flowers on unbranched, alternate-leafed stalks rising typically to a height of 2-3' (infrequently to 4'). Tubular flowers are 2-lipped, with the three lobes of the lower lip appearing more prominent than the two lobes of the upper lip. Finely-toothed, lance-shaped, dark green leaves (to 4" long). Late summer bloom period. Flowers are very attractive to butterflies and hummingbirds.
Larval Host for the
Spicebush Swallowtail Butterfly, Pipevine Swallowtail Butterfly
2-4'
1-3'
SIZE
SOIL
Moist, Wet, Humus, Loam, Clay, Sandy
LIGHT
Sun, Part Shade, Shade
BENEFITS
Birds, Butterflies, Hummingbirds
NOTES
Cardinal flower has very showy red blooms. It is particularly attractive at the edge of a woodland garden. The soil must be kept moist or wet at all times. Poisonous.
CHARACTERISTICS
Showy, Will Naturalize
May, June, July, August, September, October
Flower
This
flowers in
Cardinal Flower
Lobelia cardinalis
DETAIL VIEW
DESCRIPTION
A native perennial which typically grows in moist locations along streams, sloughs, springs, swamps and in low wooded areas. A somewhat short-lived, clump-forming perennial which features erect, terminal spikes (racemes) of large, cardinal red flowers on unbranched, alternate-leafed stalks rising typically to a height of 2-3' (infrequently to 4'). Tubular flowers are 2-lipped, with the three lobes of the lower lip appearing more prominent than the two lobes of the upper lip. Finely-toothed, lance-shaped, dark green leaves (to 4" long). Late summer bloom period. Flowers are very attractive to butterflies and hummingbirds.