cardinalflower

Lobelia cardinalis

Image of cardinalflower.
© 2007 Mark Horn

Description:

Lobelia cardinalis, commonly known as cardinal flower, is a herbaceous perennial plant belonging to the family Campanulaceae. It is native to North America and can be found growing wild in wetlands, along stream banks, and in other moist habitats throughout much of the eastern and central regions of the United States, as well as parts of Canada.

The plant typically grows to a height of 2-4 feet (60-120 cm) and has a spread of 1-2 feet (30-60 cm). It has lance-shaped, bright green leaves that are up to 6 inches (15 cm) long and 2 inches (5 cm) wide. The leaves are arranged alternately along the stem and have toothed edges.

The flowers of the cardinal flower are its most striking feature. They are bright red and tubular, with five petals fused together to form a long, narrow tube that flares out at the end into two lips. The flower stalks can reach up to 4 feet (120 cm) in height and are topped with multiple flower spikes, each bearing numerous flowers. The flowers bloom from mid-summer to early fall and are pollinated by hummingbirds and butterflies.

Overall, the cardinal flower is a beautiful and distinctive plant that is prized by gardeners and naturalists alike for its showy blooms and ability to attract pollinators.

Details:

cardinal flower

USDA Symbol: Common Name: Scientific Name:
LOCA2 cardinalflower Lobelia cardinalis

ITIS TSN: 34505

Category: Dicot

Taxonomy

Kingdom: Plantae

Subkingdom:

Super Division: Spermatophyta

Division: Magnoliophyta

Subdivision:

Class: Magnoliopsida

SubClass: Asteridae

Order: Campanulales

Family: Campanulaceae

Counties: Adams, Brown, Buffalo, Calumet, Columbia, Crawford, Dane, Dodge, Dunn, Florence, Grant, Green, Iowa, Jackson, Jefferson, Juneau, Kenosha, La Crosse, Lafayette, Langlade, Manitowoc, Marathon, Marinette, Marquette, Menominee, Milwaukee, Oconto, Outagamie, Ozaukee, Pepin, Pierce, Polk, Portage, Price, Racine, Richland, Rock, Sauk, Shawano, Sheboygan, St. Croix, Trempealeau, Vernon, Walworth, Washington, Waukesha, Waupaca, Winnebago, Wood

Natural Community:

Curtis Community:

Coefficient of Conservation: 7

Duration: Growth Habit: Native Status:
Perennial Forb/herb L48(N)CAN(N)

Active Growth Period: Spring, Summer and Fall

After Harvest Regrowth Rate:

Bloat: None

Carbon to Nitrogen Ratio: Medium

Coppice Potential: No

Conspicuous Fall Color: No

Fire Resistant: No

Flower Color: Red

Conspicuous Flower: Yes

Foliage Color: Dark Green

Foliage Light Porosity Summer: Moderate

Foliage Porosity Winter: Moderate

Foliage Texture:

Fruit/Seed Color:

Fruit/Seed Conspicuous: Yes

Growth Form: Single Stem

Growth Rate: Rapid

Height at Base Age (Max):

Height at Maturity: 5.9

Known Alelopath: No

Leaf Retention: No

Lifespan: Moderate

Low Growing Grass: No

Re-sproutability: No

Shape and Orientation: Erect

Toxicity: None

Height (min): 24

Height (max): 60

Root Type: Fibrous

Leaf Type: simple

Leaf Arrangement: alternate

Leaf Shape: lanceolate

Leaf Margin: serrate

Vein Pattern: pinnate

Bloom Period: Commercial Availability: Fruit/Seed Abundance:
Routinely Available Medium
Fruit/Seed Period Begin: Fruit/Seed Period End: Fruit/Seed Persistence:
Summer Fall No
Propogated by Bare Root: Propogated by Bulbs: Propogated by Container:
No No Yes
Propogated by Corms: Propogated by Cuttings: Propogated by Seed:
No No Yes
Propogated by Sod: Propogated by Sprigs: Propogated by Tubers:
No No No
Seeds per Pound: Seed Spread Rate: Seedling Vigor:
11292758 Slow High
Small Grain: Vegetative Spread Rate: Propagation Treatment:
No None Moist Stratification
Days to Stratify: Direct Sowing Time:
30 Early Spring, Spring, Late Fall

References:

  1. iNaturalist – Lobelia cardinalis
  2. ITIS Database – Lobelia cardinalis
  3. Native Plant Network – Lobelia cardinalis
  4. USDA Plants Database – Lobelia cardinalis
  5. Wisflora Database – Lobelia cardinalis

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