Cardinal flower - Cardinal Flower Wildflowers

Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center
4801 La Crosse Avenue
Austin, Texas 78739

Phone: 512.232.0100

Lobelia cardinalis L.
Cardinal flower
Campanulaceae (Bellflower Family)
Synonyms: Lobelia cardinalis ssp. graminea, Lobelia splendens
USDA Symbol: LOCA2
USDA Native Status: Native to U.S.
This 1-6 ft. perennial has showy, red flowers in 8 in., terminal spikes. Each flower has three spreading lower petals and two upper petals, all united into a tube at the base. Erect leafy stems, often in clusters, with racemes of flowers resembling flaming red spires. The lower portion of the erect stem is lined with lance-shaped leaves.

Although relatively common, overpicking this handsome wildflower has resulted in its scarcity in some areas. Since most insects find it difficult to navigate the long tubular flowers, Cardinal Flower depends on hummingbirds, which feed on the nectar, for pollination. Its common name alludes to the bright red robes worn by Roman Catholic cardinals. In southern Arizona, Sierra Madre Lobelia (L. laxiflora) is also found; its corolla is red with yellow lobes or all yellow.

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