Cardinalflower
Lobelia cardinalis
Barnes, Dr. Thomas G.
Taxonomy
- Division:
- Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
- Family:
- Campanulaceae
- Genus:
- Lobelia
- Species:
- Lobelia cardinalis
Growth Characteristics
- Life Cycle:
- Perennial
- Growth Habit:
- Forb/herb
- Height:
- 6-8 ft
- Light Requirements:
- Full Sun, Part Shade, Shade
- Drought Tolerance:
- Low
- Bloom Months:
- may, jun, jul, aug, sep, oct
- Bloom Colors:
- Red
Native Range
United States: Alabama, Arkansas, Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, District of Columbia, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Maryland, Maine, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Mississippi, North Carolina, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, Nevada, New York, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, Vermont, Wisconsin, West Virginia, Canada: New Brunswick, Ontario, Quebec
Keystone Species Ranking
- Caterpillar Keystone:
- ★★★★★ Based on number of butterfly and moth species using this genus as host plant (Source: National Wildlife Federation)
Soil Requirements
- Soil Type:
- rich, moist, well-drained loamy soil
- pH:
- 5.5 - 7.0 (slightly acidic to neutral)
- Drainage:
- tolerates poor drainage
- Moisture:
- consistently moist
- Notes:
- Prefers wetland areas like stream banks and floodplains
Germination Information
Pre-treatment: Mix seeds with an equal amount of perlite or vermiculite and seal into a container. Cold stratify for 1-2 months in a cool dry place. Seeds can be stored cold until planted (up to 3 years).
Establishment: L. cardinalis is found in both eastern central Upper Peninsula and the American Southwest from southern California to Texas and northern Mexico. The protocols do not provide germination percentages or time ranges for germination.
Source: npn.rngr.net