Cardinal Flower (Lobelia cardinalis)
Height: 2 to 4 feet
Bloom Time: July through September
Bloom Description: Brilliant scarlet red flowers on slender stems
Sun: Full sun to part shade
Attracts: Hummingbirds
Bellflower Family
Native to Jefferson County
Cardinal flower is often referred to as one of America’s favorite flowers. While one might think the naming has to do with comparisons to the striking red bird, it actually refers back to the bright red robes and caps worn by Roman Catholic Cardinals.
Cardinal flower grows in clumps, forming thin stalks of narrow, lance-shaped green leaves that culminate in slender, five-lobed scarlet flowers. Plants have an upright nature and should be spaced 1 to 2 feet apart.
In its most natural setting, cardinal flower can be found growing mostly in places known for being wet—river and stream edges, ditches, and bottomland forests. It grows best in rich, medium to wet soils in full sun, although it appreciates part shade in the hottest afternoon hours. It can tolerate prolonged seasonal flooding, but needs consistent moisture and will not survive in dry or barren soils.
Cardinal flower is considered a short-lived perennial, however it perpetuates itself by self-seeding or sending out offshoots to colonize an area. The plant is hardy to low winter temperatures but frequent thaw-refreeze cycles can severely harm the plant.
Historically, Native American Indian tribes had many uses for cardinal flower. The Iroquois used it medicinally, and the Delaware used it to treat typhoid. It was used as a ceremonial tobacco by the Meskwaki, who threw it to the winds to ward off a storm. The Pawnee used parts of the plant in the composition of a love charm (USDA NRCS National Plant Data Center).
Cardinal flower is known to be toxic to humans and pets if ingested.
Cardinal flower’s scarlet blooms are pollinated by hummingbirds and other long-tongued insects. Hummingbirds find it irresistible and seem to appear out of nowhere to feed on the flowers. Because of its propensity for wet soils, it is particularly well-suited to rain gardens. ■
