Lobelia cardinalis (Native)

Non-native plants this species can replace:
Common Name
Cardinal flower
Plant Form
Herbs
Duration
Biennial
Max Height (ft)
6.0
Width (ft)
1.0 - 2.0
Growth Rate
Medium
Region
Coastal
Piedmont
Mountain
Hardiness Zone
5, 6, 7, 8, 9
Commercially available
Yes
Rabbit resistant
Yes

Photographer: seabrook2023
Licensed under: CC BY-NC 4.0
Original photo: Original photo

Photographer: Karim Gharbi
Licensed under: CC BY-NC 4.0
Original photo: Original photo

Additional Info

Habitat: fresh tidal and nontidal marshes, wooded swamps, seeps; banks of ponds, rivers, streams

Wildlife Value: Its flowers are attractive to hummingbirds, butterflies and other pollinators.

Notes: Easily grown in rich, medium to wet soil in full sun to part shade. The soil should never be allowed to dry out, and It will tolerate brief flooding. Tends to move around in the garden. Biennial, must reseed

Poisonous to Humans:

Poison Severity: Medium

Poison Symptoms: TOXIC ONLY IF LARGE QUANTITIES EATEN. Nausea, depression, vomiting, diarrhea, salivation, exhaustion and weakness, dilation of pupils, convulsions, and coma, abdominal pain, heart rhythm disturbances.

Flower Color
Red/burgandy
Pink
Flower Prominence
Conspicuous
Bloom Time
Late Summer
Fall
Bloom Month
July
August
September
October
Light Requirements
Full sun
Partial sun
Moisture Requirements
Wet
Moist
Soil Texture
Clay
Loamy
Low Maintenance
Yes
Climate-smart plant
Yes
Good Choice for Public Spaces
Yes
Deer Resitant
Yes
Pollinators
Bees
Butterfiles
Hummingbirds
Number of Lepidotera Species Genus Supports
4
Tolerates
Carniola Farms Nursery

Nursery operates Arlington Native Plants & Edibles located at 925 N. Madison St. Arlington Virginia 22205. Plants can be purchased at any time by making an email appointment at carniolafarms@gmail.com. Also, during the during the planting season, they are open some Saturdays from 11AM to 3PM. Check their website for datesThis plant list is from the beginning of the 2025 season and may be out-of-date

Beloved Brook's Ruckersville Nursery Inventory

Nursery is open by appointment only. Email them to set up a time. This plant list if from the begging of the 2025 season and may be outdated. If there is something specific that you’re looking for, they recommend you confirm that they have it when you schedule an appointment

Pots Available Plugs Available Pot size:
Yes Yes

Quart

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