Cardinal flower is a type of lobelia. The stalks are at first unbranched, but later there are many flowering side branches.
The flowers are in dense racemes, terminal, with slender, leaflike bracts; they arise from the upper leaf axils; each flower has the typical lobelia shape, with a 2-parted upper lip and a prominent, 3-divided lower lip; to 1 inch long; with protruding stamens; cardinal-red, rarely vermillion, very rarely white or pink.
Blooms July–October.
The leaves are alternate, numerous, dark green, to 6 inches long, lance-shaped, finely toothed.
The fruits are capsules, ribbed lengthwise, with a crown of withered flower parts persisting at the tip.
Height: to 5 feet, but usually shorter (2-4 feet).
Scattered nearly statewide, but absent or uncommon in the western part of the Glaciated Plains Division. Cultivated statewide.
Habitat and Conservation
Cardinal flower 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.
Status
Native Missouri wildflower.
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.
