Fringeleaf Lobelia

Lobelia fenestralis

Native to:
Mexico, United States
Fringeleaf Lobelia

Edwards, Sydenham, 1769?-1819; Lindley, John, 1799-1865

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Taxonomy

Division:
Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
Family:
Campanulaceae
Genus:
Lobelia
Species:
Lobelia fenestralis
USDA Symbol:
LOFE

Growth Characteristics

Life Cycle:
Annual | Biennial
Growth Habit:
Forb/herb
Height:
100 cm
Light Requirements:
Full Sun
Drought Tolerance:
Low
Bloom Months:
jul,aug,sep,oct
Bloom Colors:
blue, violet

Wildlife Benefits

Bees:
★☆☆☆☆ Documented bee visitation (GBIF)
Butterflies & Moths:
★☆☆☆☆ Documented Lepidoptera association (GBIF)

Keystone Species Ranking

Caterpillar Keystone:
★☆☆☆☆ Butterfly & moth species supported by this genus (NWF)

Garden & Ecology Notes

Wildlife Value:
hummingbirds, bees, butterflies
Deer Resistant:
Yes

Soil Requirements

Soil Type:
rich, well-drained loamy soil
pH:
5.5 - 7.0 (slightly acidic to neutral)
Drainage:
excellent drainage required
Moisture:
consistently moist
Notes:
prefers habitats with high organic matter

Propagation & Germination

Stratification:
Cold/moist stratification required — 30–60 days
Germination Time:
14–30 days
Notes:
Seeds require light for germination; surface sow and do not cover.

The above propagation data sourced from Claude AI