Lobelia cardinalis
(Cardinal Flower)
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Facts About this Plant:
- Common Names: Cardinal Flower
- Synonyms: Lobelia fulgens, Lobelia splendens
- Lifespan: Perennial
- Zones: 3 - 9
- Type: Forb
- Bloom Time: July - September
- Status: Native
Lobelia cardinalis, or Cardinal Flower, is native to most of the United States, except the northwest quarter. It is a short-lived perennial, which grows in moist areas, like ditches, swamps, streamsides, pond and lake margins, along roads, moist prairies, and in moist open woods. It blooms in mid to late summer with bright red flowers.
This plant is not easily mistaken for much else. Its bright red flowers make it a favorite of hummingbird and gardener alike. When in bloom, the plant is unmistakeable. When not in bloom, the plant is more difficult to identify, but its lance-shaped, toothed leaves can help some in ID.
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