Common Name

Cardinal Flower

Scientific Name

Lobelia cardinalis

A water loving, native perennial with vibrant, showy, red flowers. Each flower has three spreading lower petals and two upper petals, all united into a tube at the base. It is found primarily in wet places, such as riparian zones, riverbanks, bogs or swamps. It is also sometimes found in damp or semi-flooded and shaded forest areas.

  • Kingdom: Plantae
  • Phylum: Tracheophyta
  • Class: Magnoliopsida
  • Order: Asterales
  • Family: Campanulaceae
  • Genus: Lobelia
  • Species: Lobelia cardinalis
Habitat

Forest, Grassland, Wetland

Distribution

Ranges north to Ontario, and southeast Minnesota, south to FL, TX and southern CA; south through Mexico and Central America to northern South America

Seasonality

Summer

Abundance

Common

Activity Time

Diurnal

Diet

Behavior

Ecological Role

Nectar source for hummingbirds, butterflies and bees

Conservation Status

Least Concern

Threats & Impacts

Notes