Missouri Department of Conservation
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Cardinal Flower

Lobelia cardinalis
Family: 
Campanulaceae (bellflowers)
Description: 

Stalks at first unbranched, later with many flowering side branches. Flowers in dense racemes, terminal, with slender, leaflike bracts; arise from upper leaf axils; of typical lobelia shape with 2-parted upper lip and prominent, 3-divided lower lip; to 1 inch long; with protruding stamens; cardinal-red, rarely vermillion, very rarely white or pink. Blooms July–October. Leaves alternate, numerous, dark green, to 6 inches long, lance-shaped, finely toothed. Fruits capsules, ribbed lengthwise, with a crown of withered flower parts persisting at the tip.

Size: 
Height: to 5 feet, but usually shorter (2-4 feet).
Habitat and conservation: 
Grows in wet places: along rivers and streams, in openings of bottomland forests, ditches, sloughs, swamps and lakes. Also found in cultivation, where it prefers rich, humusy, medium to wet soils and partial shade.
Distribution in Missouri: 
Scattered nearly statewide, but absent or uncommon in the western part of the Glaciated Plains Division. Cultivated statewide.
Human connections: 
Because of its striking red flowers, this species was introduced very early into cultivation in Europe, and it remains popular there and in the United States. A Missouri native with exceptional landscaping potential, it has been named a Plant of Merit for St. Louis and other regional gardeners.
Ecosystem connections: 
The red flowers of this species are attractive to hummingbirds, which are probably the major pollinators. Butterflies visit the flowers, too.

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