Lobelia cardinalis
cardinal-flower, cardinal flower
Family
Campanulaceae
Leaf Arrangement
alternate
Leaf Attachment
petiolate, sessile
Leaf Margin
crenate, dentate, serrate
Leaf Type
simple
Leaf Shape
oblong, elliptic, lanceolate, ovate
Growth Form
forb
Flower Color
red
Flower Month
May - October
Height (meters)
0.5 - 2.5
Milky Sap
Yes
Armed/Unarmed
Unarmed
Origin
native
Lifespan
perennial
Wetland Class
FACW
Wetland Coefficient of Conservatism
8
Field Characters
Forms a basal rosette with elliptical leaves, either entire or serrated, that contain milky sap. When serrated, small and large teeth alternate along the edges. Red flowers appear in mid-late summer on 2 m tall stalks.
Habitat
Ditches, ravines, depressions, woodlands edge, openings, stream banks, roadsides, prairie, plains, meadows, pastures, savannas, near lakes or ponds, swamps, wet or moist soils.