Lobelia cardinalis (Native)

Non-native plants this species can replace:
Common Name
Cardinal flower
Indian pink
Plant Form
Herbs
Duration
Perennial
Max Height (ft)
5.0
Width (ft)
1.0 - 2.0
Region
Coastal
Piedmont
Mountain
Hardiness Zone
5, 6, 7, 8, 9

Photographer: Karim Gharbi
Licensed under: CC BY-NC 4.0
Original photo: Original photo

Photographer: seabrook2023
Licensed under: CC BY-NC 4.0
Original photo: Original photo

Habitat

Floodplain forests, alluvial swamps, seepage swamps, maritime swamps, tidal swamps, tidal freshwater and oligohaline marshes, wet meadows, ditches, and low roadsides. Frequent throughout Virginia

Wildlife value

Its flowers are attractive to hummingbirds, butterflies and other pollinators

High Value Generalist
Earth Sangha lists this plant as a "High Value Generalist" because it is easy to grow, occurs across a wide range of habitats and is known to be of high value to wildlife

Poisonous to Humans:
Poison Severity:
Medium
Poison Symptoms:

TOXIC ONLY IF LARGE QUANTITIES EATEN. Nausea, depression, vomiting, diarrhea, salivation, exhaustion and weakness, dilation of pupils, convulsions, and coma, abdominal pain, heart rhythm disturbances

Causes Contact Dermatitis:
No
Poison Part:
Flowers, Fruits, Leaves, Roots, Sap Juice, Seeds, Stems
Also a Problem For:
Dogs and Horses
Flower Color
Red/burgandy
Pink
Flower Prominence
Conspicuous
Bloom Time
Late Summer
Fall
Bloom Month
July
August
September
Light Requirements
Full sun
Partial sun
Moisture Requirements
Wet
Moist
Soil Texture
High organic matter
Low Maintenance
Yes
Pollinators
Bees
Butterfiles
Hummingbirds
Tolerates