Cardinal Flower

Description

Lobelia cardinalis, commonly called cardinal flower is a Missouri native perennial which typically grows in moist locations along streams, sloughs, springs, swamps and in low wooded areas.

The flowers attract the Ruby-Throated Hummingbirds and various Swallowtail butterflies.  Halictid bees sometimes gather pollen, but they are ineffective at pollination. The seeds are too small to be of much interest to birds.

Livestock usually don’t consume this plant because of the toxic white latex in the foliage.

Easily grown in rich, medium to wet soils in full sun to part shade. Needs constant moisture. Tolerates brief flooding. Soils should never be allowed to dry out. Tolerates full sun in northern climates but appreciates part afternoon shade in hot summer climates of the lower Midwest and South.  Effective in moist areas of woodland/shade gardens, wet meadows or along streams or ponds. Water gardens. Rain garden. Also adds late summer bloom and height to borders as long as soils are kept uniformly moist.

Habitats include wet prairies, prairie swales, openings in floodplain and bottomland woodlands, soggy meadows along rivers and streams, gravelly seeps and springs, borders of ponds, edges of small marshes, and ditches. These habitats include both sandy and non-sandy areas. Cardinal Flower is often found in sunny areas near sources of water, or it is found in open woodland areas where moist depressions occur.

This species is commonly used in the following mixes: Wet Meadow Mix, Butterfly & Hummingbird Mix